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CARMELITA 



K 



FORCE AND FINESSE. 



A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS, 



BY 



HENRY J. W. DAM. 



SACRAMENTO : 
Lewis & Johnston, Printers, 410 J Street. 






CARMELITA 



FORCE AX I) FINESSE. 



A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS, 



R V 



HENRY JJ W. DAM. 




SACRAMENTO : 
Lewis & Johnston, Printers, 410 J Street. 



fl^ 









CARMELITA: 
Or, Force and Finesse. 



By HENRY .). W. DAM. 



DBA MA TIS PERSON J2. 

CAPTAIN KINGSBURY. 

DON RAMON VALDEZ. 

ALBERTO MOLINO. 

MANUELO. 

STRAINE. 

TIM REARDON. 

THOMAS. 

.JOSE. 

SHERIFF. 

MINISTER. 

CARMELITA. 

ISABELLA. 

MARIQUITA. 

MARIA. 

VAQUEROS, VILLAGERS, ETC. 



TWP92-009030 



CARMELITA; 

OR, 

Force £i:clcL IB n ±33_esso. 

o — 

ACT I. 

SCENE. — Exterior at old San Diego. House of Jose/a, on platform 
with steps. (R. "2 E. and R. 3 E.) Tavern with raised veranda and. 
steps. (L. '2 E. and L. 3 E. ) Tables and chairs in front of tavern; 
rustic settees R. mid L. Four musicians, with harp, tiro guitars 
and mandolin, on veranda. Tomale man with bucket leaning 
against steps. Background: drop shewing public square vtnth trop- 
ical foliage, old church beyond, and ocean in distance. Curtain dis- 
covers close of dance. Dance finishes and dancers group about 
stage at tables, drmking. Tim and A'Iariquita in ad ranee. 

Tim. Hello, there! Chingaro muchacho Sacr-r-ramento. 
[Antonio enters from tavern.] 

Come here, ye cigar-box chromo. (limine a bottle o' woine. 
Damn the expinse whin loveliness is thirsty. 

Ant. (Aside to Tim.) A quart bottle, Senor? 

Tim. A tin-cint bottle, an' don't you forget it. D'ye think 
I'm a millionaire, ye blaggard ? (Exit Antonio in facer//.) 

Maria. (Enters R. 4 E. ) A pretty time for dancing and 
singing and carousing. 

All. Why 1 

Tim. What's the matther, Maria 1 

Mar. Why, old Josefa's not cold in her grave yet, and 
poor Lita is crying her pretty eyes out. 

Tim. Faix, av she don't cry 'em in agin it's mesilf 11 jine 
the blind asylum wid her. 

Mariq. Wat, wat you say 1 

Tim. Oh, that's all right, Mariquita. It's you has the 
front seat in me affections. But ye wouldn't mould me likin 
Lita a little. 

Mar. No. Lita is a good girl ; too good for you. Poor 



4- carmelita; 

thing. She's all alone in the world. She lost a good friend 
in Josel'a. 

Tim. She'll have to quit ramblin' the hills, I'm thinkin', 
and work for a livin', work for a livin'. Faix, it's a pity to 
have to work between meals. 

Mar. Lita work 1 ? She don't know any more about it than 
a child. Why, old Josef a never let her do a thing except run 
about and read story books. She's learned too much ; it's 
spoiled her. 

Mariq. That's so; she is spoiled. She never goes to the 
dances, she never does anything that we do. She's too proud; 
she'll have to come down, now that she's a beggar. 

Tim. Aisy there. She's a little lady, that's what she is. 
And well all be brothers and sisters to her, hey boys? 

All. You bet we will. 

Mar. ft's little good you can do her. Do you know who's 
after her .' 

All. Who? 

Mar. Don Ramon. 

All. (Indignantly.) Don Ramon? 

Tim. (Aside.) The ould divil. Goin' after the girl before 
the old woman's buried. 

Mar. Yes, Don Ramon is hunting for her already. The 
strange priest is with him and the priest is going to take her 
to a convent, the Don says. But I don't believe it; I believe 
it's a trick. 

Tim. Ye mean the priest that was with Josefa when she 
died? 

Mai;. Yes, the same one. 

Tim. Well, well; it's a shame, that's all. And hasn't she 
any folks to present him ? 

Mariq. She has a brother somewhere. 

Mak. He's no good to her. He's in prison. He was sent 
there for robbing a stage. You see, when Josefa adopted her 
nobody looked out for him and he grew up bad. 

Tim. 1 remember, now. Didn't he escape from prison ? 

Ma i!. I never heard of it. 

Tim. Well, he did. Molino is his name. I seen it in the 
papers. They've not caught him yet. 

Mai;. Well, he can't help her, or anybody else. The old 
Don is too rich. It's a shame, a shame; she's too good a girl. 

Tim. Well, well; an' what will the Captain say to that? 

Mak. The (Japtain will do nothing against Don Ramon. 

Mariq. I should say not. Not against his fader-in law. 

Tim. His fader-in-law! Ye think the Captain's goin' to 
marry Miss [sabel, don't ye? 



OR, FORCE AND KI.N KSSK. ■) 

Mak. Of course he is. 

Tim. An you know all about it; it's a great head ye have. 
Now, I'll bit twinty dollars {feeling in his pockets, and find- 
ing a /inker check). I'll bit twinty dollars the Captain thinks 
more o' the little orphan than of all the Spanish skirls, and all 
their money, in Califarny. 

Mariq. Nonsense; you don't know what you talk. 

Tim. An' don't I. Why do he go gallivantin' all over the 
hills wid her, an' say, "This way me choild;" "Be aisy wid 
yerharse there, Lita;" "Don't sprain yer ankle there, darlin'?" 
{Illustrating by affectionate gestures unth Mariquita.) Faix, 
av he ain't in love wid her I'll sell me eyes for oysters. 

Mar. But the Senorita Isabella is very rich. She will 
have all Don Ramon's property, and she is awfully in love 
with the Captain. She's just crazy after him. 

Tim. Is she now? Well, well. Begorra, when me new 
shute comes from New York, I'll have a thry at her mesilf. 
Wunther av the ould Don wouldn't like a descindant o' the 
Oirish Kings for a son-in-law? (All laugh derisively.) 

Tim. Oh, ye can laugh, ye blackbirds. Wait till I'm 
elected Superior Judge. I'll show ye. 

Mariq. Yes indeed. Senor Reardon will be a great law- 
yer some day. He told me so. 

Mar. He told you. (Laughter.) 

Tim. There's where yer right, darlin'. Six months more 
an' I'll own the office an' the ould man. Wait till I do be 
grabbin' land titles on me own account. Faix it's a great pro- 
fession, the law. Ould Sthraine there — 

[Enter Straine L. U. E. during speech.] 

Str. Old Straine, old Straine, old Straine ! Are you talk- 
ing of me, sir 1 

Tim. O, not at all, sir. Divil a word, yer highness (lifting 
his right foot and inspecting it painfully). It's an ould strain 
I have from a harse, sir. The hot weather brings it on. 

Str. Where's Captain Kingsbury 1 ? 

Tim.' I don't know, sir. 

Str. Don't know. Don't know. What do I pay you for? 
Go to the postoffice and then go to the devil. Old Straine. 
Old Straine. Old Straine. (Goes offJi. 1 E. muttering.) 

Tim. I will, sir. I'll be back to you in a jiffy. (Starts 
for L. U. E.) 

Mar. Where are you going? 

Tim. I'm going to the postoffice and then to the devil. 
(Imitating Straine.) 

Mar. Well, I'm going to the bull light. 

Tim. hTe bull tight. Whoopa Toro!» Come on, I'll go 
wid you. 



6 CARMELITA ; 

All. (Starting.) Whoopa Toro. (Exit all crying "whoopa 
toro" L. U. E.) 

[Enter Don and Manuelo, R. U. E.] 

Don. Ain't she a beauty 1 Diablo! Did you ever see any- 
thing so pretty, Manuelo? 

Man. (a little angry.) Don't call me Manuelo, Don Ra- 
mon. Do you want to give the whole business away? 

Don. Oh, there's nobody to hear. 

Man. Well, there might be. And its bad business this 
playing the bogus priest. I don't feel very comfortable in 
this toggery. I wasn't cut out for a priest yon know ; not 
until you made me one. 

Don. Well, I won't make any more breaks. Did you see 
her figure? That plump little bosom '. She's a little peach, J 
tell you, and she's dead ripe. 

Man. Yes, too good for you, you old wretch. You're old 
enough to be her father. 

Don. And young enough to be her lover. Carramba ! 
Wait till I dress her up in a silk wrapper (rubbing lih hands 
lustfully), flesh-colored stockings, French slippers, a little bot- 
tle of Roederer frappe. Manuelo, she's a queen, an angel. 

Man. There you go again. But say, about this property. 
I want to know where I come in. 

Don. The property is worth about twenty thousand in 
land and stock, near Mazatlan. My house there is handling 
it. It. belongs to the old woman, through her husband, but 
she never got wind of his death or heard of it. It goes to 
Lita as the old woman's heir. You have the will. 

Man. It's in the house there. 

Don. And you have your appointment as the girls guar- 
dian? 

Man. Yes, that's all right; I confessed the old woman and 
she entrusted the girl to me, I made affidavit in Court this 
morning and was appointed her guardian. I'm her legal guar- 
dian. Nothing can change that. 

Don. Well, now you want the old woman's marriage cer- 
tificate and her will. That'll complete the chain. And you 
,can have all the property. Twenty thousand is pretty good 
pay for a little masquerading, hey Manuelo ! 

Man. But about the girl. I may have trouble. 

Don. Trouble, how? 

Man. She's not a Catholic. She may kick at the idea of 
the convent. 

Don. Let her kick. It won't do her any good. You have 
the law on your .side. But do it quickly; I don't want any 



OR, FORCE AND FINESSE. 7 

.talk if I can help it. Come on, let's get the papers first, and 
then the girl.. (Exit info house.) 

[Enter Isabella and Captain, L. U. E. He leads the way 
down to settee, L. She seats herself fanning violently, as 
if out of temper.] 

Capt. Shall I get you a lemonade.' 

Isa. (Not looking at him.) No. 

Capt. Won't you take a shadier seat? 

Isa. This is shady enough. • 

Capt. May I light a cigarette? 

Isa. As you like. (He does not light.) [Silence.] 

Isa. Why did you not come for me to ride this morning? 

Capt. This morning? (Surprised.) 

Isa. Yes, this morning. I believe I did myself the honor 
to accept your invitation two days ago. 

Capt. By Jove, Isabel, you are right. I am heartily 
ashamed of my forgetfulness. At least accept my apologies. 

Isa. It must have been something very important to keep 
vou from an engagement you yourself made. Military duty, I 
suppose. 

Caet. No, it was not military duty. The fact is, old Jo- 
sefa died yesterday and left her foster-daughter, a valued 
friend of mine, all alone in the world. 

Isa. And who is this foster-daughter; a gawky working 
girl? 

Capt. She is not gawky, nor is she of the working class. 

Isa. Precisely. It is just what I supposed. An old peas- 
ant woman dies and leaves a very pretty girl to be tenderly 
looked after by somebody, and a chivalrous Captain of cavalry 
poses as the good Samaritan. 

Capt. I do not wish to have my motives questioned, Miss 
Valdez. I have already apologized for my failure to come for 
you. Is there anything further you desire ? 

Isa. I — nothing in the world. It is the merest trifle to 
me. Only it happens that this is not the first engagement 
broken, nor the second. Nor am I the only lady who does not 
think Captain Kingsbury's erratic conduct of late exactly ador- 
able. (Rising.) Captain Kingsbury, our friendship has been 
very pleasant. If it is to be continued it must be conducted 
in future in a manner somewhat more considerate of me. Af- 
ter what has taken place 

Capt. If you will pardon my stupidity, might I ask what 
has taken place? 

Isa. For three months, sir, you have chosen to spend most 
of your idle time at our house. For three months you have 
been my constant cavalier, in public and in private. Now, to 



o <;armelita; 

me all this is nothing. Thank Heaven I am heart whole, even 
under the withering rays of Captain Kingsbury's fascinations. 
If you should leave this country to-morrow, if the sea should 
swallow or the clouds enfold you, my heart would never ask 
itself whither you had gone or when you would return. 

Capt. I never did myself the honor to supj>ose otherwise. 

Isa. But it is not that. This is a little village and tin- 
people have long tongues. They have coupled your name with 
that of Don 'Ramon's daughter. They have said you were to 
marry her. That you did not marry her would matter little, 
but that you should, in the sight of the whole town, cast her 
aside for a beggarly orphan of the village, is not to be borne, 
sir. Ours is an old family and a proud name. I know well 
that I am violating all rules of etiquette and maidenly mod- 
esty in thus uttering my mind, but sir, Spanish blood speaks 
frankly and does not weigh its words, and the pride of the 
daughter of Don Ramon Valdez shall be insulted by no man. 
It is not love that speaks. Don't flatter yourself. It is the 
pride of a woman and of a family, and you shall make amends 
or you shall rue it. 

Capt. I understand you clearly, Miss Valdez. Do not 
fear. That I knew nothing of the gossip of which you speak 
attribute to two things, my ignorance of the popular language 
and the fact that never in my association with this young lady 
has one thought of love, one sentiment that was not of the 
most fraternal character, entered my mind or hers. Rest as- 
sured I will make any and every amend to you that lies in my 
power. As far as visiting your house is concerned, I shall 
■certainly err no farther in that direction. 

Isa. But, Captain, it is not necessary that you entirely 
desert us. 

Capt. Do you desire that I still visit you? 

Isa. I have made no objection to that. 

Capt. It shall be as you desire. Good-clay, Senorita. 

Isa. Good-day, Captain. (Exit Captain L. U. E.) 

Isa. (Looking after him.) He's gone to find her. He loves 
her. I know it if he does not. Oh yes. He shall wed his 
low-born love, but he shall court her in a bed of nettles- 
Basta! I could murder her. 

[Enter Don and Priest from house. Priest does business 
oj examining and pocketing papers during dialogue.] 

Don. What is the matter, Isabella? 

Isa. Nothing. 

Don. And does nothing arrange your features in such an 
angelic expression? 



OB, FORCE A.\l) KIN ESS !•:. 9 

ISA. No, it is not nothing. I am being insulted, played 
with, laughed at by the whole town. 

Don. What, what is this? 

Isa. Your Captain there has left me, to run after this or- 
phan. It is scoundrelly; I will not stand it. 

Don. What! The Captain in love with this girl! 

Isa. I only know what my maid has told me. The Captain 
and this girl have been rambling.about together for a month, 
and he is devoted to her. 

Don. This is important. (To Priest.) You must find her 
at once and take her before he hears of it. Come, come, Isa- 
bella. Bah! Don't worry over her. (Exit all R. U. E.) 

[Enter Lita L. U. E. | 
(Music. She comes down stage as if to seat herself L. 
Alberto thrust* head oat of door of cottage ami looks 
cautiously around. As she reaches settee ) 

Ber. Lita, hist 

Lita. Berto! (She looks all around in fear, lie also 
looks about : then (joes across to her, carrying bundle in news- 
paper. ) 

Lita. Why Berto, brother, what are -you doing here. 

Ber. (Sulkily.) Nothing to eat. 

Lita. But why did you come. It's so dangerous. 

Ber. I'd sooner get fat in prison than starve in a cave. 

Lita. Yes I know dear. But you might have had patience 
and not run this needless risk. 

Ber. Needless. You didn't come last night or the night 
before. I ain't had a mouthful since yesterday till I climbed 
in the kitchen window just now. I wasn't scared, as I knew 
•everybody would be at the bull tight, and I was hungry. 
. Lita. But you'll go right back now 1 ? 

Ber. Yes, I'm going. I've got some things to last me 
over to-morrow, but I depend on you to-morrow night. 
Don't you fail me. Good-bye. (Exit Berto R. 1 E.) 

Lita. I won't dear, never fear. (Steps up step of house 
looking after him.) Poor Berto, Poor Berto, (sigh). He's 
all I have in the world now. All I have in the whole world. 

(Exit into'house.) 

[Enter Straine and Captain L. U. E.] 

Capt. This is very serious, Straine, what does it mean. 

Str. Mean — mean — means the girl's got some property 
somewhere and that priest is after it. 

Capt. But Don Ramon doesn't care for property. 

Str. He, no. He's after the girl. Priest puts her in 
convent. Old Don snakes her out, and ruins hei\ Same 
old ijame. He'll get her. 



10 < AKMEI.TT.V; 

Capt. He will, will he, the beast. 

Str. Tut, tut, your father-in-law you know, musn't talk 
like that. 

Capt. There's little prospect of that, now. We're in the 
midst of a hot quarrel. 

Str. Take care Kingsbury. This Spanish blood is bad 
blood when its up. 

Capt. WJiere's Lita? 

Str. You ain't going to fight the Don, are you? I believe 
you are in love with her. 

Capt. Nonsense. Straine, see here. I am a man of the 
world. I've been watching and studying this girl for three 
months, and I tell you she has the noblest, purest, most beau- 
tiful nature I ever saw. The old woman has reared her as 
delicately as a lily grown in the shadow, and I as a man will 
not stand by and see that old brute get hold of her. And you 
won't either, my friend. You're too much of a man for that. 

Str. Is she in love with you? 

(.'apt. Not a bit. She has never thought of such a thing. 

Str. Well, suit yourself. I'll stand by you. 

Capt. Thanks. I have been thinking of her ever since the 
old woman fell sick. I have a home for her with my mother, 
and I'm going to try and get her to go. (Captain crosses as 
he speaks and knocks tit </(><>>■ of house. Lita <>]>eu,s and 
stands in doorway.) 

Capt. Lita. 

Lita. Yes, Captain. 

Capt. Can I speak with you a moment: (She takes his 
hand innl crosses to settee, L. They sit.) 

Capt. Lita, friend, I want to talk with you a little. I 
know well that all your thoughts are out yonder with the 
foster-mother, but there are things which will not wait. 

Lita. (Drying her eyes.) What things, Captain? 

Capt. Lita, you are all alone in the world now. You have 
no one to look to for care, for protection, even for bread. And 
that is why I wanted to tell you that over beyond the snow 
mountains, away in the far land I have told you of so often, is 
another mother, a white-haired, tender, loving mother, who 
loves me as Josefa did you. There was a sister once, a girl 
like you, and ever since the sister went away and the mother 
buried half her heart along with her under the lilies of the 
spring time, there has been a deep shadow in her eyes and a 
great sorrow in her life. I wrote to her. about you yesterday, 
before Josefa died. I know she will want you to come. Lita, 
dear, will you come to her and make her happy? Tell me, my 
friend, will you come ? 



OK, FORCE AND FINESSE. 11 

Lita. You arc very kind, Captain. Kind as you have al- 
ways been, J know she would be kind to me. I know I should 
love her as you do, but 

Capt. But what, Lita. 

Lita. I cannot leave this place. I cannot leave it now, and 
1 may never be able to go away. Here I was born. This sun- 
shine sea, I have known ever since I was a wee child. The 
foster-mother whose affection and care have been all to me, 
has been laid away to sleep in the shadow of yonder cross. 1 
should like to go, Captain, so much. I know it would be 
home, happiness, and love for me, but there are other reasons 
which you do not know. There are ties which no one knows. 
No, Captain. It makes me happy, even in my sorrow, that 
you are so thoughtful, so considerate, and so kind to me. 
Dear friend, you don't know how I thank you. 

Capt. But suppose 1 should go away 1 ? 

Lita. Oh, you are not going! You, too? 

Capt. I may have to go at any time. I have stayed already 
longer than I expected to, much longer. And it will be very 
hard for me to go away and leave my companion of so many 
happy hours at the mercy of the world. I have stayed be- 
cause your mountains and your fields and your blue ocean 
were more beautiful than I had ever known them when I 
looked at them through your eyes and ' by your side. It has 
been very sweet to me, Lita, this summerland, and I cannot 
go away without knowing what is to become of its princess. 

Lita. I cannot go away. I cannot go with you. Oh, Cap- 
tain, I am so unhappy. {Sobbing .) 

Capt. (Aside.) Dear little heart. If I could only take it 
to my own. 

Mar. (Enters L. U. E, and goes to house.) Lita! Lita! 
where is Lita? 

Capt. Here, Maria. 

Mar. The Don and a strange priest are looking for you. 
They are going to take you away. 

Lita. Take me away? 

Timothy. (Enters L. U. E. after Maria.) Yes, Miss. 
They have a paper wid a seal, an ilegant .gould seal. In all 
my legal experience 

Straine. Shut up, you idiot. What did you say? 

Mar. Don Ramon and a priest are going to take Lita. 

Lita. What does it mean? They wouldn't take me when 
I do not want to go. 

Str. They wouldn't, hey ? Like to see something they 
wouldn't take. Captain, this looks badly. 

Capt. They shall not take her. 



12 carmelita; 

Str. What can you do? 

Capt. "Well, let's stand back and see what the} 7 do first. 
They're coming now. Don't be afraid Lita. They shall not 
harm a hair of your head. 

[Enter Don and Priest, L. U. E. followed by people. They come 
down to group, Manuelo leading.] 

Man. Are you the girl they call Lita, the foster-daughter 
of Josef a 1 ? 

Lita. (First looking up at Captain, who nods.) Yes, sir. 

Man. Do you not remember me, my child? 

Lita. No, sir. 

Man. Do you not remember how Josefa, when she was 
dying, put your hand in mine and told you I would take you 
to the convent where some good ladies would care for you and 
be mothers to you? 

Lita. No, I do not remember that. I do not remember 
anything after they told me she was going to die. 

Man. Well, that is what she said, and the Court has made 
me your guardian. I haA^e come for you, now. 

Lita. Oh, this is horrible. I am not a Catholic. I do not 
want to go. I cannot go. Maria will take care of me, won't 
you, Maria? 

Mar. That I will, and gladly. As long as I have a roof 
and a crust, it is hers. 

Man. Be silent woman. Do not interfere. (To Lita 
gently taking her arm.') You must come with me my child. 

Lita. I will not go. ■ . 

Man. You must. There is no other way. 

Lita. (Struggling.) You are going to take me. Oh, 
mercy, who will help me ! It is not right to take a girl against 
her will. Oh, Captain, tell him I do not want to go ! 

Capt. Let go. 

Man. {Still holding her.) Who are you? 

Capt. Let go, (taking one step. Manuelq lets go.) 

Capt. Lita go in the house. I will talk to these gentle- 
men. (Lita exits in house slowly and amid deep silence.) 

Capt. You say you have authority to take this young- 
lady. 

Man. I have. 

Capt. Where is it. 

Man. Here. (Hands paper to Captain who opens and 
reads, Straine looking over shoulder.) " Pedi'o Sepulveda is 
hereby appointed guardian of the said minor child." 

Str. The paper is all right, Captain. 

Capt. The paper may be all right. The means by which 



OB, FORCE AM> FINESSE. 13 

it was obtained may not. (To Manuelo.) Is your name 
Pedro Sepulveda? 

Man. It is. 

Capt. How were you granted this paper. 

Man. By the Superior' Court, on my own affidavit with 
those of witnesses, at the request of the foster mother. That 
is enough for you. That paper is enough for anybody. 

Don. I endorse that. 

Capt. Well my friends you may be acting rightly in this 
matter but I don't believe it. This young lady is under my 
protection. Whatever you have to say to her you can say 
to me. 

Don. By what right do you obstruct the execution of this 
document. 

Capt. By my own right. By the right which every man 
has to protect the innocent from the machinations of the vile. 

Don. Take care, sir. You are doing a dangerous thing. 
One in which neither your uniform nor your influence shall 
protect you. 

Capt. Threaten if you like. I am able to take care of 
myself and of her. 

Don. Your chivalry is beautiful. Almost as beautiful 
as the young lady whom you so platonically protect. 

Capt. Spare your sarcasms. I am acting for her as if she 
were my sister, nothing more. Remember that, sir. One- 
more insult will cost you dear. 

Man. Excuse me gentlemen, one moment. I do not 
think the young lady will oppose the wishes of Josefa. Nor 
do I think the Captain desires to defy the law. Let us have 
the young lady here. Let her get over her surprise, which is 
natural and put the matter before her. 

Capt. Will you abide by her decision. 

\_Don Plucks Manuelo's sleeve and consults him. Shaking 
head. Priest also shakes head.] 

Man. Yes, I will abide by her decision. 

Capt. Maria, go and call her. 
[Maria goes in hoiose calling " Lita, Lita," inside. Retrns.] 

Mar. She's gone. 

Capt., Priest and Don. Gone ! 

Mar. Yes, she's not in the house. 

Don. Go and find her. 

Tim. Find her! Find a humming bird. 

Don. What do you mean? 

Tim. You won't get her. She has some hole in the hills 
where the devil couldn't find her. 



14 OAKMELITA ; 

Don. Bah! 

Tim. Well, you may bah or moo. When old Josefa was 
sick it was two days before Lita turned up, and we hunted 
the whole country. 

Capt. (Aside to Stradne.) I think I can find her. 

Don. So, so, sir. This is a trick of yours. Where has 
she gone? 

Capt. It is no trick. I know no more than you. 

Don. Basta! Don't keep up this sickly pretense. Where 
is she 1 ? 

Capt. I have answered. 

Don. All right, sir. For love of a girl who is doubtless 
already your mistress you propose to defy the law and deceive 
these good people. 

Capt. Take care of your words, or by heaven I'll teach you. 

Don. Take care care of yourself, or a prison will do it for 
you. You are doing a rash thing, and the law will show you 
no mercy. 

Capt. And what are you doing ? Why are you on this 
girl's track 1 ? Why are you examining papers and lighting for 
her capture? Why are you backing up this priest'? You ques- 
tion my motives, you old scoundrel. 

Don. Take that back. (Step.) 

Capt. You know it is true. (Step. ) 

[They are about to fight, when Manuelo interposes.] 

Man. Peace, gentlemen, peace. 

Capt. There shall be no peace between us till you relin- 
quish your villain design. Good people, here, wil) you stand 
by and see this thing 1 Have you no wives to guard, no sis- 
ters to protect, no children to save from dishonor 1 ? Will you 
see a pure, beautiful girl, ensnared by a man old enough to be 
her father? Will you 

[During speech people close in around Don, murmuring men. 
aeingly. At last wQrd Priest makes a. sign. AH drop on 
knees save Captain, Manuelo and Don, with heads un- 
covered i (iitvitg men.] 

Capt. Well, kneel you slaves. Kneel and submit. But know 
one thing, Don Ramon: There is one white blossom you shall 
not blight; one jewel you shall not blemish, and if ever your 
vile hand does the shadow of a wrong to Carmelita, you shall 
pay for it with the last, drop of your black heart's blood. 



Curtain. 



ACT II. 

SCENE. — A cavern which has been used as an Aztec tomb. Squtm 
entrance C. F., disclosing Aztec ruin in the distance. Floor paved 
in Aztec mosaics. Ceiling arched and ceiled with triangular plates 
in Aztec patterns, joined m three-sided convex joints. Back and 
ivalls decorated with Aztec sun-burst and Aztec insignia am! symbols. 
Entrance has stone door with Aztec bas relief on interior. Passage 
R. 2 E. , partly concealed Inj image- Partly ruined images of Aztec 
woirhship about stage. At L. 2 E. a statue; between legs a fire. 
Sarcophagi vases, etc., about stage. Appearance of age and decay 
over all. Curtain discovers Albekto seated at stone table C, sitting 
on stone suit working at goat bide. Lita seated by fire, looking at 
fames. 

Ber. You are sure no one saw you come in? 

Lita. Not a soul. These are lonely hills, Berto, and no- 
body knows of this place. 

Ber. But they will, just the same. Those Sheriffs are 
hunting high and low. I know that; and sooner or later 
they'll find me, dead dertain. 

Lita. But if they find you here you can get away by the 
passage. 

Ber. And be caught inside of a mile; arrested the moment 
I stepped on the steamer'? Not much. I must get out of 
this rat-hole. I must get to Mexico unknown, unseen. I 
can't sleep. There's not a night that I lie clown that I don't 
wake up with a jump, with my blood freezing. I can't close 
my eyes in sleep but what I feel the chill of the thick, gray 
prison walls around me, and see the cold moonlight staring at 
me through the round holes in the iron door. I see the guard 
on the wall Avith his rifle on me. I hear the clang of the bolts 
ringing like devil's music along the corriders. I hear the 
clank of the chain and the crack of the whip and the gurgle 
and swish of the water torture, that is always turned on me 
and always leaps at me just as I jump from bed to dodge its 
horror. I can't stand it. I must get away. I've got to get 
away, I tell you. Do you know that 1 (Paces up and down. ) 

Lita. Dear brother, if I could only help you. 

Ber. Lita, why can't you go with the priest? 

Lita. Why do you keep saying that? 

Ber. You agree to go and I'll tell you. 

Lita. It is impossible. 



16 carmelita; 

Ber. And why is it. You can save me that way. 

Lita. Brother, listen ; I know what it is to put myself 
in Don Ramon's power and you know as well as I. I have 
done everything for you that a sister could. I led you here 
in the night when it was dark and the stones cut my feet till 
there was blood on every foot-print. I cared for you when 
you were sick. I will take care of you, guard you and 
protect your secret as long as I have breath to breathe and 
life to live. You can have my life, my all, but I will never 
go with those men. 

Ber. Bah ! you're in love with the Captain. 

Lita. I in love with him ! I lift my hopes, my dreams 
even to such a man as he. ISTo Berto, even if he were in my 
thoughts I have banished him for you. I have only one 
desire, to see you safe and happy. 

Ber. Then why will you not go with the priest. 

Lita. Because, while I will sacrifice my life for you, for 
nothing under heaven will I sacrifice my honor. 

Ber. And I say you are wrong. A silly girl with her 
head full of story book notions. I say you shall go. 

Lita. Oh, Berto ! Berto ! you don't know what you say. 
You do not mean it. Tell me you do not mean it. My God, 
I shall go crazy ! 

Ber. Shh, that's all right. I didn't inean it. I was 
only joking. There, don't be a baby. 

Lita. Don't say such things, they frighten me. I will 
guard you, Berto, I will keep your secret from everyone and 
you will escape soon, I know you will. 

Ber. Hark! I hear a step. (Both listen intently.) 

Litv. It is. It's some one coming down the cliff. Hide 
Berto, hide! Mercy! who can it be? (Exit Berto R. H.) 

[Enter Captain C] 

Lita. You ! You here. 

Capt. Well, well, and this is my welcome, after all my 
seeking. 

Lita. But why did you seek? Why did you endeavor to 
find me? There is no one with you? 

Capt. No one. 

Lita. And nobody knows this place but you? 

Capt. Don't fear Lita, no one knows it. I would not 
have found it if you yourself had not told me of your hiding 
place and given me a hint as to where it was. Don't you 
remember? But what if anyone did know it. Am I not 
able to protect you? (Advances toward her She retreats.) 

Lita. You — you must not stay here, Captain. You must 
go away. 



OK, FORCE A.ND FINESSE. 17 

Capt. Why, what has come over you? You used to be 
brave as a toreador. Now you are nervous and frightened as 
a hare. Poor little heart. Has hiding so unnerved you that 
you are even afraid of me? 

Lita. Oh, no ; it is not that. Believe me. But you must 
hot stay here. Come, you would not stay if I did not want 
you to. Come, see, (taking his hand) I will go with you. 

Capt. And leave this place? 

Lita. No, but I will walk with you a long ways, if you 
like. Come, Captain, come. You will come when Lita asks 
you. (She seizes: nubia anil hastily arranges it about face.) 

Capt. Well, .this is very strange. What can have come 
over her? 

Lita. Are you coming? (Taking his hand ami walking 
toward C.) I will walk ever so far, and you shall tell me all 
the news in town. ( Exit Lita and Captain, C.) 

[Enter Berto, R. H. Runs to door and watches them.] 

Bei;. So, he has found her, curse him, and found me, 
too, which is a damned sight more important. (Walks across 
and back.) The old Don is my man. He wants her and will 
pay a mighty sight bigger price for her than a pardon. A 
pardon, that's what I want. Carajo! If I could only see him 
to-night. To-morrow that spangled officer will have her, and 
the whole game will be up. Let me see. It will be dark in 
half an hour. I can truf t the night and a disguise. Where's 
that beard. (Hunting about the stage and finding it, pats it 
<>n.) Don Ramon, we will do business together. She'll be 
just as well oft* with you as the Captain. Better, I guess. 
Where's my hat? Hang it I can't find anything. (Hunts for 
it and (joes in passage, R. ) 

\ Enter Isabella, in riding habit, and Tim. They enter tim- 
id!;/, Isabella in advance.] 

Isa. You are sure he came this way? 

Tim. Yis, ma'am. I watched him up the canyon. He 
hunted around for awhile and then disappeared. He must 
have come in here. 

Isa. You have good eyes, Tim. I will double what I 
promised you, and give Mariquita a present besides. (Aside.) 
I knew the lover would find her, find her for me. I wonder 
if she is really here. 

Tim. Ugh! What's that? 

Isa. Only a bat. Don't be frightened. Didn't you ever 
see a bat before? 

Tim. Not exactly that kind, mum. What a devil of a 
place it is at all. 



18 caemelita; 

Isa. Nothing remarkable. Only an old cave tomb. 

Tim. A tomb, is it. Howly mother. And thim? (Point 
ing to sarcophagi.) 

Isa. Simply respectable Aztecs, who were once dead. 

Tim. Be the bones o' Saint Pether, I want none o' this. 
(Inspecting vase.) Faix the Azchics gave their friends a t'oine 
sind off, annyhow. 

Isa. Why, it's gold. 

Tim. Gould, is it 1 ? Gould! Begorra I'll be married to- 
rn orrer. 

Isa. You wouldn't keep it? 

Tim. I wouldn't? Did ye iver know a lawyer let go av 
anything wanst he got his hand on it 1 ? 

Isa. It might be haunted. 

Tim. Ugh! 1 " (Dropping it.) 

Isa. You better keep it, Tim. 

Tim. Go long wid you. Would I lie haunted be some ould 

Aztec dressed up in tin pans and devilthry? Not be a 

O-o-o murther! 

[Berto runis in suddenly from R, confronts them, springs 

back with "Carramba !" and draws long knife. Isa- 
bella retreats a couple of steps a ml Tim jumps behind 
her, looking out from petticoats. They stare at each 
other.] i 

Isa. Put up your knife, sir. We mean no harm. 

Ber. (Putting up knife slowly and suspiciously.) Oh, 
ho! I see. You're old Ramon's daughter, ain't you? 

Isa. Yes. What then? 

Ber. Is he hunting for the girl who ran away? 

Isa. Yes. He is in the valley about half a mile from here. 

Ber. And you left him to track the Captain? 

Isa. Not at all. I merely took a ride by myself and found 
this place. 

Ber. That's all right. You'd like to see her found, I 
s'pose? 

Isa. Suppose that I did. 

Ber. Well, you go and tell the Don that you met a man 
who knows where she's hid. He can't get her without me, 
you understand? So you tell him to meet me at the white 
rock in Stone Valley, just as quick as he can. It's on the 
other side of this hill. Will you do that? 

Isa. I will. 

Ber. Then go now. How soon can he be there? 

Isa. In ten minutes. 



OR, FORCE AM) FINESSE. 19 

Ber. And mind you, not a word of me or this place. ' If 
you betray me he'll never see her. 

Isa. I understand perfectly. (She nods and starts away 
to exit C. Tim bows low. Behto takes knife and Tim jumps 
out. Exit Isa and Tim C.) 

Ber. Carajo! this is lucky. The old Don can get me a 
pardon easy enough. And I shall be free to walk in the day- 
light and snap my lingers at the police. But the Don. He 
may have men with him. He may capture me. (Thinks.) 
He must come here. If he wants to talk business with me he 
must do it in my office. My office,' a coyote's den in the hills. 
It's rough on Lita. But no it ain't, either. She's dead gone 
on the Captain, and he'll only ruin her. And the Don '11 be a 
father to her. Yes, a father, damn him. (Rises and takes 
hat.) 

[Enter Lita, C] 

Lita. Where are you going, Berto? 

Ber. Out to get some air. I've been here all day. So 
that son of a gun has found us. 

Lita. He has found me. He knows nothing of you and 
never will. 

Ber. Bah! He'll be back again. 

Lita. He will not. He promised me. 

Ber. And you think he'll keep his promise 1 

Lita. I know he will. I keep mine. You know that. 

Ber. Don't get watery. It's bad enough without tears. 
Well, I'm off. (Exit Berto R. Lita does not look up. She 
gazes into fire.) 

Lita. He loves me. I know he does; and I must not love 
him. I must deceive him; must let him doubt me, suspect 
me, and all for a brother who never brought me anything but 
unhappiness. Oh! why is life so hard 1 ? Why is fate so cruel? 
Poor Berto ! It is selfish of me to think this way when he is 
so deep in trouble. If he can only get away without being 
discovered. I wonder where the Captain is. I wonder if he 
is thinking of me. And he tried so hard to take me with him. 
Can he love me? Can he love me? Dear Captain! (Takes 
picture from bosom.) Oh! how grand, how noble you are! 

[Enter Berto R. hurriedly.] 

Ber. Lita, there are some horsemen on the plain. I 
think they are headed this way. Go up by the lone pine and 
watch them. Quick, will you 1 (She hastily seizes nubia.) 

Ber. Stay twenty minutes at least. I want to be certain. 

Lita. Yes, dear. (Exit Lita hastily C.) 



20 



CARMELITA ; 



Ber. (Watches Iter out, waits a moment, and then closes 
door carefully.) This way, gentlemen. 

[Enter Don and Manuelo R.] 

Ber. You'll excuse me a minute. I want to be sure 
that we are not followed. {Exit Berto R.) 

Man. What's the plan? 

Don. We must get her to-night, at all hazards. We can't 
lose any more time. The people are talking, and evidently 
understand the game; and if it gets beyond the little town and 
into the newspapers, it will make me trouble. Carramba! 
The more she eludes me the more I want her. 

Man. But suppose we get her. What then % 

Don. You start north by the first train, pretending that 
you are going to San Jose to the Convent. Then you leave 
her at San Luis, and take her to my ranch on the arroyo. 
You know the big hacienda? 

Man. Yes. 

Don. I will telegraph and have a carriage and driver at 
San Luis. Then I will remain at old San Diego to-morrow to 
avert suspicion, and come up to-morrow night. 

Man. All right. Here he is. Stay. Suppose he won't give 
her up? 

Don. Oh, there's no fear. I'll give him any price, no mat-' 
ter what. 

[Enter Berto R] 

Don. Well, sir, who are you ? 

Ber. Alberto Molino, senors. 

Don. What are you doing here? 

Ber. The fact is, my residence, when I'm home, is at 
San Quentin. I'm down here for my health. 

Don. An escaped convict? 

Ber. That's about the size of it. 

Don. Well, you sent word that you know where this girl is. 

Ber. I do. 

Don. And you'll find her for us? 

Ber. If I'm paid for it. 

Don. What do you want? 

Ber. Only a trifle. I want a pardon, and you can fix 
it. A pardon, Don Ramon. 

Don. A pardon? Well, what have I to do with pardons? 

Ber. You know the Governor well: you have big political 
influence; ten times more than is necessary. 

Don. (Thinks.) Why, even if I could get you one, it 
would take three days to send to Sacramento and back. 

Ber. Well, I'm in no particular hurry. 



OR, FORCE AND FINESSE. 21 

Don. But I am. We want the girl to-night. I'll give 
you money — plenty of it. 

Ber. I have named my price. I get a pardon or you 
don't get the girl. You've got to get her quick, too, for you're 
not the only man who is close on her trail. 

Don. The Captain? 

Ber. I'm not saying who. 

D >n. I don't think I could get you a full pardon. I might 
get you a conditional one. 

Ber. What is thai I 

Don. One that depends upon your leaving the State imme- 
diately and never returning. 

Ber. Well, that will do. All I wank is to get out of this 
gloi-ious climate and not be troubled by the law after I do get 
out. I want to be free. 

Don. Well, show us the girl, and in three days you shall 
have it. 

Ber. Oh, no; don't be too rapid. Hand me the pardon 
and I hand you the girl. 

Don. What is the use of waiting 1 I will guarantee the 
pardon. 

Ber. And who will guarantee you 1 ? 

Don. Father Sepulveda. You can trust him 1 

Ber. Trust nobody. I can't hold you to your agree- 
ment. You know that. 

Don. I'll give you any guarantee you like. 

Ber. Then write me something. Give me something in 
black and white. I'll give it back to you when I get the 
pardon. Will you do that 1 

Don. Yes, I'll do that. {Takes note-book and writes.) 
" In three days I promise to deliver to Alberto Molino a con- 
ditional pardon from the Governor, depending upon his leaving 
the State. Failing, that I agree to help him to leave the 
State with safety. R. Valdez." There, {tearing it out), will 
that do ? 

Ber. {Looking at paper.) That'll do. Now you're a 
sort of accessory. 

Don. Oh, well, I shan't worry over that. 
Ber. Now, where do I meet you and get the document? 
Don. You know my ranch on the arroyo, thirty miles from 
here? 

Ber. Yes. 

Don. Well, you come there to-morrow night. Come after 
dark. Here is a card. Give it to the gate-keeper, and he will let 
you in. {Gives him card with something on it he has written. ) 



22 < 'A K ME LITA ; 

Ber. {Reading.) "Pass bearer." All right. Now let 
us lose no more time. How many men have you got '? 

Don. Four, well armed. 

Ber. They will do, I think. If the Captain is with her 
he'll fight. 

Don % What, the Captain 1 ? Can we catch him, too 1 ? 

Ber. Maybe. Where are the men 1 

Don. Down the valley about half a mile. 

Ber. We must hurry. The Captain may get her before 
we do. ♦ 

Don. Come on; there's no time to lose. 

[Exit Don and Manuelo R. Berto glances to see they are gone 
and opens door. .. lie looks oat and makes gesture of 
anger. ,] 

Ber. Demonio ! The Irishman ! What the devil is he 
after 1 ? I'll get rid of him mighty quick, the scarecrow. (Con- 
ceals himself behind status L.) 

[Enter Tim timidly C] 

Tim. (Looking care/idly about.) No wan home 1 ? (Advan- 
ces.) Wundher where Misther Nightmare has gone? Begorra, 
he's a nice, pleasant picture to meet on a dark night. (A< tran- 
ces to sarcophagus L. C.) Gould, ivery wan o' them; an' worth 
a hundred dollars. Timothy Reardon in his great act of col- 
lectin' a probate fee; administerin' on the estate of an Aztec. 
Begorra, it bates the Dutch ! (As, he reaches for vase Berto 
utters a hollow groan.) 

Tim. Ugh! (Retreating.) What's that? (Waits and reaches 
again for vase. Berto groans again.) 

Tim. Go 'way wit you. (To Statue.) Faix, they're no 
good to you, ould three-card Montezuma. (JIastily seizes 
three or four vases and pops them into sack which he draws 
from his coat. Berto groans load ami throws pinch of gun- 
powder into fire. Tim drops sack, yells with fright and 
rushes out C.) 

Ber. (Laughing.) He'll not stop this side of town. (Picks 
up vases and s<cck, ami fakes, them to back of stage. Returns.) 
Now for the Don and his men. Three days, and I am free! 
(Exit K H.) 

[Enter Captain and Lita. They come down stage silently. 

She sits by pre. lie stands looking at her.] 

Capt. Lita, why do you repulse me 1 ? Why do you drive 
me from you 1 ? I have offered you an honorable name, a man's 
whole affection, a man's whole heart. Do you doubt me? 



OB, FORCE AND FINESSE. 23 

Lita. Ah, no, Captain. I trust you fully, wholly, as I 
trust God. But I must not love you, I cannot listen to you; 
I cannot listen. (She turns away wearily and leans against 
statue. He strides up and down the stage. He discovers 
goat hide and needle and coat o/Berto.) 

Capt. Lita. 

Lita. Yes. 

Capt. Are these things yours 1 ? 

Lita. (Presses hand to heart and braces herself.) Yes, 
they are mine. I had to amuse myself with something. 

Capt. And this coat; is this yours 1 ? 

Lita. Yes, it is mine. 

Capt. Lita, are you telling me the truth? 

r it a. Have I ever told you aught else 1 ? 

Capt. Are you telling me the truth? 

Lita. Yes, I am. (Captain starts for entrance R. She 
glides in front of him.) Stop, you must not enter there. 

Capt. And why not 1 ? 

Lita. You must not. That is sufficient. 

Capt. Are you here in this cave alone? 

Lita. Yes, I am; but you shall not enter there. What 
right have you to enter a room, wherever it be, that is mine? 

Capt. And this is my frank, simple, honest little compan- 
ion of the plains ; innocent as the birds, honest as the winds — 
the winds, fortunately, that one cannot follow to see whither 
they go and what they do. Oh, Lita ! Lita ! have I been so 
blind? Have I, who thought you noble above all women, 
been so deceived — (She staggers. He catches her. She recov- 
ers and grips rustic seat, looking him full in the face.) 

Lita. Excuse me. I am not very well. 

Capt. And have you nothing to say? 

Lita. Nothing. 

Capt. But great Heaven! Am I to have no word, no sin- 
gle word of explanation? Am I to cast you out of my heart 
and my life like this? It' shall not be so. I will first know 
the truth. 

Lita. Why should I say words for your ears when your 
heart does not trust me? 

Capt. Trust you, in the face of all this; your strange con- 
duct and your refusal to speak? 

Lita. I do not ask for your confidence. People who do 
right are not beggars. 

Capt. And are you doing right ? 

Lita. I am. 

Capt. And you are innocent? 
Lita. As a babe. 



24 CAKMELITA ; 

Oapt. And you do not and never have loved any man but 
me? 

Lita. I never have. 

Oapt. And you are as pure — (God forgive me, but I must 
ask it) — you are the same Lita that I have watched and 
known and loved all these months? 
Lita. The same, so help me God. 

Capt. Then in the face of all I trust you. (Clasping her in 
his arms.) 

Lita. Oh, my love! my love! if you knew what I have 
suffered. (Her head lies on his shoulder, and she yields her- 
self entirely.) 

Capt. And you are mine, mine forever? (She reaches her 
arms up about Jtis nech and he gives her a long kiss.) But 
now, dear, will you leave this place with me, leave it forever? 
Lita. Not yet, love. It shall be as you wish very soon. 
But not yet. There must be a little time and then all will be 
well. 

Oapt. How long? 

Lita. Go, and come to-morrow at this time. I must have 
time to think and to plan. 

Capt. I cannot leave you to-night. Let your thoughts be 
my thoughts. Let us plan together, with the twin angels of 
love and hope to guide us in our counsel. Henceforth your 
trouble, whatever it be, is mine, and the man's shoulders 
should bear the burden, not the woman's. 

Lita. No, love; you must be patient for a day. 
Capt. But I cannot leave you here, surrounded by a thou- 
sand dangers. Don Ramon is scouring the hills for your hid- 
ing place. The very thought that he might discover you is 
terrible. Do you think I can go home and lie down to sleep 
with my heart here, and with its idol in danger of being 
taken from me? You know I cannot. 

Lita. And do you so much want me to come? 
Capt. Your own heart tells you that. 

Lita. Oh, if I could only repay you. If I were only sure 
I should bring you no unhappiness. If I could only feel that 
there were nothing untold between us; that I were worthier 
of your love. And you will trust' me, trust me unto death? 

Capt. Listen, love. You shall be my empress, my idol. 
Honored or slandered, you shall be the one glory of my life, 
the one thought in my death. 

Lita. And you did not know 

Capt. Know that you loved me? 

Lita. Dear, do you remember the day when first you came 
into my life? Do you remember the canyon, in the shadow 



OE, FORCE A Ml i FINESSE. 25 

of the white oak, by the pool where the lilies were growing? 
How the brown hills burned in the aim glare; how stiii it was 
in the heat of the noontide, and how only the bees "hummed 
in the hazel, lulling all the world to a dream of the siesta. I 
was dreaming myself, I think, for you did not seem real as 
you looked at me so long and spoke to me so gently. It was 
so strange, so strange. Captain, I never knew I was a woman 
till then. 

Capt. My love. 

Lita. Oh, if you knew, if you could only know the feeling 
here. (Touching her heart.) If you had known all my happi- 
ness when we rode together through the twilight; when we 
I all alone in the deep woods; when we sailed over the 
summer ocean to the sea cave and you and I were together in 
the still silence of the great temple, with only the sleeping 
waters to watch us and listen to our words. It was so still, 
so beautiful. The touch of your hand made me tremble with 
happiness. The sound of your voice was music sweeter than 
any in all the world. Oh, dearie, I am so happy. (Hides face 
on chest of K.) 

Capt. And you will come? 
Lita. To-morrow. 

Capt. To-morrow? To-night! Lita, look yonder. The old 
dead city lies white against the shadows of the night. Under 
the crumbling arches lie all that remains of the lips that lin- 
gered, the eyes that lightened, in the sleeping years long gone. 
Under the throbbing stars, in the midst of the burning roses, 
other lovers stood, hand in hand, looking seaward over the 
golden ocean that murmured love's music against the iron 
mountains that were flower-clad for them. And under the 
Same moon that shines for us to-night did the grand law of- 
human love lend ear to the petty plaint of fancied duty. 
Lita, my bride, come. Come to the sanctuary that shall be 
your home and my heaven. Come to a love that shall be 
longer than life, greater than death, that God himself shall 
bless and shall not sever. {He holds his arms outstretched. 
§he toaits, then, (joes to him. They embrace, long. As she goes 
to him the four vaqueros steal in noiselessly. C,and surround 
the group, the Don and Manuelo in the center.) 

Don. Aim. (The vaqueros aim at Captain, lie springs 
hack, putting Lita behind him with right hand and drawing 
revolver.) Aim at him. Don't hit the girl. 
Capt. Cowards ! 

Don. The girl, or we fire. (Don /tartly turns. Lita 
springs in front of Captain.) 

Lita. No, no. My God! You shall not. 



26 CABMELITA ; 

Don. Give up that gir^. % 

Capt. Come and get her. Back, Lita. 

Lita. (Runs to Don.) You shall not kill him. I will go 
with you. Do with me as you like, hut spare him. 

Capt. Silence, Lita! 

Lita. I will not be silent. I am not worth your life. 

Capt. Then die with me. 

Lita. Die, yes. If it were only I. But you. Ah, God 
no. (To Captain.) See. All is not lost. I will go with them 
and you will save me. I know you will. 

Capt. They are but four 

Don. Fire if he stirs. 

Lita. No, no. I will go. (Runs to vaguer os.) Here, take 

me; take me quick. (Two of them take her and turn toward 

C, she looking back at Captain. Two remain with rifles 

pointed. Captain 'has a struggle with himself and falls 

into chair.) 



Curtain. 



ACT III. 

SCENE. — Exterior of wall o/'Don Ramon's Hacii nda. Large gate with 
wicket, C. Bell sounds within as curtain rise*. Jose opens gate. 
Orchestra plays low chorus strain as fifteen vaqueros come in in 
groups of three aw! four, some with bridles. They pass in saluting. 
Jose shuts gate. Chorus heard, within. 

[Enter Captain disguised as tramp <uul Thomas It. 1 E. 
They enter stealthily .] 

Capt. Do I look like a tramp, Thomas'? 

Thos. Ye look more like a Ginral in disguise, sir. 

Capt. Sorry for that. Now remember: you are to wait 
in the grove with the horses; wait all night, if necessary. 

Thos. Yes, sir. 

Capt. And if you do not hear from me, come back to- 
morrow night and wait till dawn. 

Thos. I'll be there, sir; never fear. Good-by, Captain. 
{Exit Thomas, with salute.) 

Capt. So, this is the casket they have chosen for the treas- 
ure that is mine; this is the fold in which the Spanish wolf 
guards so tenderly my lamb. Oh, God above, be with me! 
They have the law and the power, and I only a man's will and 
a man's strength. If I cannot save her I can die for her. 
But not before you, Don Ramon; not before you. But I must 
be cool; cool as man never was before. Once inside, the way 
is clear; but will they let me in? And I must beg for admis- 
sion to yonder gate-keeper, when I could throttle him ! 
(Knocks at gate; Jose slips back wicket.) 

Jose. Who is it? 

Capt. Can a poor tramp get a night's lodging, sir ? 

Jose. We admit no strangers here. 

Capt. That's pretty rough. I only want a crust and a 
blanket. I never heard of a California ranch that wouldn't 
give it. 

Jose. Where are you from? 

Capt. Los Angeles. 

Jose. Where are you going? 

Capt. Anywhere. Looking for work. 

Jose. (Opens gate.) Well, come in. You'll have to sleep 
by the fire, though. You can't go inside the house. 

Capt. I'm used to roughing it. (Enters; gate closes.) 



28 



CAJRMELITA ', 



[Scene moves off, disclosing court-yard of hacienda, with gate 
at R. H. Doors at C. F. and L. H. Veranda about 
court-yard above doors. Doors and windows opening 
on veranda. Watch-fire at L. C. Bell-frame and rope 
L. TJ. E. Captain and Jose discovered seated on ground 
beside fire.] 

Jose. What news do you bring across country? 

Capt. None at all. I only know that the days are warm 
and the nights are cold. By, Jove! the night is cold. (Draws 
canteen from blouse oral uncorks it.) Have a drink 1 ? 

Jose. No; can't drink on watch. 

Capt. Well, here's luck ! (Pretends to take long drink 
and smacks lips.) That's the stuft' to keep the cold out. 

Jose. What is it 1 ? 

Capt. Brandy; Baldwin's. Great liquor, ain't it? 

Jose. (Looking merit 1/ around.) Gimme a drop. 

[Captain Iannis kin/ canteen. He uncorks //, and is about 
to drink, when there is a doable knock at gate.] 

Jose. Take it, quick! That's Don Ramon! (Rises and 

goes to gate.) 

Capt. Don Ramon! (Springs to feet; then drops by fire, 
as if asleep.) 

[Jose opens gate; Don enters R. H.] 

Don. Hello! Jose. It's a little cold out. 
Jose. (Closing gate.) Yes, Senor. 

[Don starts acToss stage for L. H., and espies Captain. 

Stops.] 

Don. Whoistha 

Jose. Tramp, Senor. 

Don. What did you let him in for? I told Father Sepul- 
vecla to admit no one 

Jose. He didn't tell me, sir. Couldn't turn him away. 

Do'n. Well, all right; but take care of him. By-the-wav, 
did a man come to-day with a card? 

Jose. Yes, sir. He's with the Priest. 

Don. Very well; good night. (Exit L. H.) 

Jose. Now, give me a drink. (Takes canteen and drinks 
long.) Madre de Dios! that's fine brandy. 

Capt. (Corking canteen.) So, so. Life is pretty slow 
here, isn't it? 

Jose. Oh, there's work enough. That gate keeps me busy 
all day — and night, too, sometimes. 

Capt. That is a heavy gate; needs oiling, too; that would 



OR. FOECE AND FINESSE. 



•)(j 



make it twice as easy for you. Got any oil' I'll earn my 
lodging. 

Jose. (Toying with canteen.) There's some on the shelf 
there. 

[Captain goes ami gets oil from bell-frame; goes to gate anil 
oils hinges and bolts, looking around every few seconds. 
Jose does comedy business with flash, fearful of being 
discovered in taking repeated drinks. Captain finally 
draws all bolts ami opens gate tea rift/; then leaves it 
nearly closed; returns.] 

Capt. Now, old hoy, that'll ease your work for you. 
Jose. What's that? (Listening to footsteps. ) 
Capt. Sh-h! Give it tome. There's some one coming. 
( Pretends fo sleep.) 

[Enter Don ami Manuelo with lantern, R. D. F. They eon- 
verse in loir iunes down stage.] 

Don. I have the pardon. What do you think 1 ? 

Man. (Beads by lantern ami shakes head.) Whose pardon 
was it 1 ? 

Don. I forget; some old one. I merely erased the name 
and put in his. 

Man. That's violating the law, mutilating a public docu- 
ment. 

Don. Oh, there's not an atom of danger. The pardon de- 
pends upon his immediately quitting the State. So he's out of 
the way. If he makes any fuss, he knows that he goes hack 
to prison for life as an escape, and the testimony of a convict 
will scarcely bother a millionaire. Besides, as soon as I go to 
Sacramento I will get the original of this, and that will end 
all danger. 

Man. Just as you say; but I wouldn't do it, 

Don. I've got to; I've got to get that guarantee I gave 
him. That was foolish, I admit; that would compromise me. 
Is he inside 1 ? 

Man. Yes; I'll call him. (Exit Manuelo C. F.) 

Don. A few hours ! a few hours ! A h ! little brown eyes, 
what a gallant lover you shall have; what days among the 
lilies and what nights among the roses! (K., on one elbow, 
watches lih a cat, ready fo spring.) 

[Enter Alberto C: F] 

Don. Here is your document. 
Bek. It's all straight, is it 1 ? No funny business? 
Don. All straight, sir. Signed by Governor Irwin and 
sealed with the Great Seal of State. 



30 oarmelita; 

Ber. (Examines if, nods, and folds it up.) Here's your 
guarantee. 

Don. (Beads guarantee.) Now, a word with you: This 
pardon depends on your quitting the State as soon as possible. 
The quickest way is the steamer at San Diego on Saturday 
afternoon. If any officer of the steamer stops you, show him 
your pardon. You will have no trouble. Here's a hundred 
dollars; that will see you through. Now, you'd better go to 
bed and start at dawn. 

Ber. Thanks, Senor ; I'll go. (Exit both G. F. ) 

Capt. (Aside.) I'd like to know what that all means. 
Some more villainy, I'll bet. (To Jose, shaking him.) Here, 
take another. (Jose drinks, sleepily.) 

Capt. I say, old boy ! Wake up! (Jose mikes.) You've 
got a pretty girl here — a stranger. 

Jose. (Bracing aj>.) Oh, no, you're wrong. 

Capt. Get out. I saw her at a window when I came. 

Jose. No girl: no girl at all here. (Capt. snatches flask 
from him.) 

Capt. You'll lie to me, will you. 

Jose. Oh, hold on. Don't be stingy. Yes, there is a girl 
here. Some picnic of Don Ramon's. 

Capt. (Losing control of himself.) What! where is her 
room 1 ? (Jose shakes head awl mar mars.) 

Capt. Oh, you sot. Here, wake up, I say. Tell me 
where she is. (Shakes him.) 

Jose. I won't tell you. 

Capt. Tell me. 

Jose. No, no, won't tell. 

Capt. (Closing hand on Jose's throat.) Tell me ! Tell 
me quick 1 

Jose. Santa Maria ! Mercy ! You would not murder me ! 

Capt. Tell me her room. 

Jose. You are no tramp. What do you want 1 Help ! 

[Captain grabs him again and chokes him fill he is quiet, 
then lifts him and pours liquor down throat. Jose 
gulps it and. falls in stupor, insensible. Captain drags 
himinto dark corner R. U. E., first slashing keys from 
belt and covers him with straw.] 

Capt. Now for the last stroke ! Lita, my love, you are 
saved ! (Starts for C. F. Door opens and Lita appears. 
At sight of Captain, she screams, lie fcdls by fire asleep in 
old position. Lita is followed close by two torch bearers and 
Manuelo.) 

Man. What are you screaming at 1 



i k. FORCE AND FINESSE. 31 

Lita. I I ir was a bird; a great bird with big eye* Hew 
at me. 

Man. Pshaw! An owl ! 

[Enter Don, C. F.] 

Don. Was it an owl, though 1 ? (Takes torch and inspects 
courtyard, passing near Jose. Then goes to Captain and 
thrusts torch in his face. Returns to.group.) Where is Jose 1 ? 

M \x. He's in bed, long ago. {Group cross stage and exit, 

I,. [I. Door closes with click.) 

CaPT. (Rises.) Yes, you go, but I follow. (Hushes to 

/loor. Sj)rings back.) My God! it's locked. And the priest 
has the key. Oh, this is too much ! But wait. He must re- 
turn, and then — his life or the key. 

[Scene discovers room in hacienda containing single bed, fable 
and two chairs. Enter Manuelo left boxing. He places 
lighted candle on tabic ami tarns to door. Lita enters 
and walks to chair. Sits.] 

Man. Good night, Senorita. Don Ramon will be here in 
a few moments. (Exit Manuelo left boxing.) 

Lita. It was he. 1 knew it was he. And he has come to 
save me. Oh, if he had not. They will kill him; they are 
certain to. But let them. (Rises.) You do it, Don Ramon ; 
you do it, and you will find a girl's arm can avenge if it can- 
not save. (Breathes hard, checks herself suddenly, ami sits as 
door opens. DON enters.) 

Lita. ^o, Don Ramon, it is you who looks so tenderly 
after the ward of the church? 

Don. (Very tenderly ami courteously.) Yes, senorita, and 
it is I who am grieved to see the necessary efforts for a young- 
lady's welfare repulsed with such ill grace. 

Lita. (Bitterly.) Efforts for her welfare! 

Don. (Rows.) That is what I said. 

Lita. Don Ramon, it will be as well to speak frankly. 
Your diplomacies and courtesies are as detestable to me as 
they are meaningless to yourself. Y r ou have chosen, by an 
unlawful extension of the temporal power of the church, to 
outrage right and imprison me. Now what do you propose to 
do"? What do you wantl 

Don. Pardon me, my child. 

Lita. I am not your child. I am not of your family or 
your religion. I owe you and yours no reverence. I yield 
them nothing but contempt. 

Don. Even those who are most ungracious we still hope to 
reclaim. 



o2 , gabmelita; 

Lita. Come to the point, sir. Converts are not made now- 
adays with carbines, nor proselytes with pistols. I want to 
know why I am here. I want to know why an unoffending 
girl who never did any one harm, is watched, pursued, and 
arrested at the beck of a man she never saw, and in the name 
of a church to which she never swore allegiance., Tell me or 
open that door. I will know. 

Don. Will not is not said to me, senorita, 

Lita. But it will be said. If I may not say it men will. 
The days of chivalry may be dead, but the days of manhood 
are not, thank God. {He takes chair and sits hear Iter.) 

Don. Lita, have not the crystal mirrors of your own can- 
yons — have not the .flowers that bend to you as you walk 
abroad — have not the rough-handed, bashful lovers, of the 
vintage ever told youl 

Lita. Told me what. 

Don. That the sea swallow is less graceful, that anangel 
is less lovely than you. 

Lita. What do you mean'? [Nervously.) 

Don. I mean, Lita, that it is many days since i saw* you 
first. You were sitting on the sand, your eyes gazing seaward, 
dreaming with a maiden's idle fancy of the unknown future. 
You were very lovely, there, Lita. {Comes closer. Very 
Lovely, my child, and the picture {Reaches for her hand.) 

Lita. Stop, sir. This is no place nor time for lovers' tales. 
Were you a man instead of a scoundrel you would not insult 
a prisoner with such words. 

Don. Lita, 1 have wealth. 1 have power. A palace, such 
as few women see, shall be yours. The Looms of Europe shall 
clothe you ; the jewels of the south— 

Lita. Spai*e your tinsel bribes. I want no palace, no jew- 
els. I want my freedom. 

Don. Am I then so repulsive to you ! Other women have 
not found me so. 

Lita. I pity them, then. I pity any woman who was ever- 
tainted with the touch of your vile hand. 

Don. You use hard words, my lady. 

Lita. Yes, but not half hard enough. A snake has more 
lionor, a cur more manhood. Oh, how I despise you! 

Don. Very, well, then, my spitfire. Since you appear to 
enjoy it you shall despise me still more. Those pretty lips 
lash cuttingly. Let us see if they will taste as Vweetly. {As 
In- speaks In' advances. She recedes to wall. .1/ last word he 
seizes her arm.) 

Lita. Let me go. {She whips out dagger. He snatches it, 
tlro/is it, mil! seizes her.) Stop! Help! Oh, my God! mercy! 



OE, FORCE AND FJNES8E. 33 

They strug ndeavoring to force her head on his shoul- 

der. The door is burst in and Captain enters L. Don re- 
/. uses 

Don. You ! 

Capt. Yes, I. (Springs at Don. They wrestle. Captain 
nets Don on floor with hands on Don's throat. Captain grabs 
: raises it to strike.) 

Lita. Wait. He is not worthy death. (She seizes Cap- 
tain's arm and tries to pull him off.) Come, the vaqueros 
will be here in a moment. 

Capt. You are right. It's death or freedom, now. Follow 
me. No. Here. (Lit fs Iter on left a rut. draws pistol with 
right, blows out candle and dashes out left boxing.) 

[Scene moves off disclosing Court-yard. First Vaquero dis- 
covered ringing bell sharply. Vaqueros in pants aud red 
shirts open at breast, with feet bare, rush otct from va- 
rious entrances. Sortie throw up windows and appear at 
upper doors on veranda running. All group about First 
Vaquero. AH armed with clubs, scythe blades, or knives.] 

All. What's the row 1 ? What's the row? What's the. 
matter? 

First Vaq. The devil is loose. Jose drunk. The Priest 
bound and gagged, and Don Ramon murdered. 

All. Who did it? Where is he? 

First Vaq. He's there. In there, I tell you. Quick, don't 
let him get away. (He waves his hand indicating L. 2 E. 
All rush in L. 2 E.) 

Jose. (Staggers out of corner with straw clinging to him.) 
Hie. Whash 'er row? 

First Vaq. Get out, you sot! (Pushes him over. Jose 
falls and does not stir or speak. First Vaquero runs to L. 
2 E. and, meets vaqueros backing slowly out with yells. Cap- 
tain appears with Lita on arm and pistol leveled. Yells.) 

Capt. Back, you dogs. Get back. 

All. Carramba? Carajo! Kill him! Knock him down, 
there! Get behind him ! Kill him! (Those on outside of 
group endeavor to strike him over heads of others.) 

First Vaq. The gate. The gate is open. (He springs to 
ward gate. Captain fires and he falls. Captain fires twice, 
vaqueros fall back and he dashes through gate.) 



[Curtain.] 



ACT IV. 

SCENE — Parlors of Horton House, San Diego. Windows R. and L. 
at baek showing view of ocean. Doors L. 3 E., R. 4 E. and R. 2 E. 
Table C. with writing materials. Piano with gaudy cover between 
doors R. At R. large arm chair. At C. tete-a-tete. At L. sofa, 
light. parlor chairs, etc. Tall mirror between windows. Mariquita 
discovered dusting, back of stage. 

[Enter Tim, L. 3 E. Comes down stage and does not see her. 
She comes up behind him and. puts hands over eyes.~\ 

Mar. Who is it? 

Tim. Faix, from the size o' the hands I think it's the Ari- 
zona giantess. (She boxes his ears.) 

Tim. Is the Captain here yet? 

Mar. He'll be here in half an hour, with a lady. They 
have three elegant rooms. 

Tim. That's two more than we'll be wantin', Mrs. Mari- 
quita Reardon. 

Mar. Have you got the hundred dollars yet 1 ? You must 
get that before I marry you. 

Tim. Feast yer avaricious eyes on that, ye pawnbroker. 
(Holds up three twenties.) 

Mar. That's only sixty. 

Tim. Ye mercenary divil. I'll give ye my note for the 
balance. 

Mar. ISTo. (Shaking her head.) 

Tim. An' what do ye want wid so much 1 ? Is it a carriage 
and horses yer after? 

Mar. (Counting on fingers.) I want a silk dress, and some 
shoes, and a hat, and some diamond earrings, and a scarf, and 
a breastpin, and a watch and chain, and — what's the matter 1 ? 

Tim. Oh, go on. Don't moind me. 

Mar. And some candy and — where'll we live? 

Tim. Faix, I'm thinking we'll camp out, and hide the dia- 
monds in a squirrel hole wid a burglar alarm on it. 

Mar. You poke fun at me? 

Tim. Oh, not at all; not at all, darlin'. Only I'll have to 
be married in me old swally-tail, and me silk socks is worn 
out up to the ankles. But don't moind me. Only I'd just be 
askin' the favor that if ye want the earth at any time ye'll let 
me know the day before. Good-by, darlin'. (Through the half- 



FOBOE AND FJNE8SE. 35 

closed door). Jist dhrop into the jeweler's an' tell him ye 
know me. (Exit Tim L. 3 E.) 

Mar. And a feather, a big yellow one, in the hat, and — I'll 
give a kettle-drum some time, like all the brides. {Taking 
piano cloth and putting it around her, en train, (nut walking 
before mirror.) 

[Enter Berto, L. 3. E. Mariquita dro])s cloth and dusts 
■v iijorously. | 

Ber. I want to see the young lady, the lady with Captain 
Kingsbury. 

Mar. She's not here yet. She won't be here till 1 2 o'clock. 
You better come after she's married. 

Ber. Married ! 

Mar. Yes, they will be married this afternoon. 

Ber. I'd like to see her before that. 

Mar. Well, you better wait. (Exit Mariquita.) 

Ber. Well, I suppose it's better for her. It ain't my fault 
that the Captain got her. No, let 'em rip. To-morrow the 
steamer. To-day good-bye. 

[Eu.ter Isabella, I. 3 E..] 

Isa. You! again 1 ? 

Ber. You don't seem delighted to see me. 

Isa. On the contrary, you are the one man that ought to 
be seen just now. Do you know you are being tricked and 
fooled all around 1 ? 

Ber. Me tricked 1 ? Ain't my pardon all right 1 ? 

Isa. What! Did the priest get you a pardon? 

Ber. Yes. 

Isa. To get you out of the country. Wasn't that it? 

Ber. Yes, that's so. What do you mean? 

Isa. Simply this: The Captain and your lady love are 
going to be married to-day, and you are going to lose a foi^tune. 

Ber. A fortune. How ! 

Isa. Lita is rich; very rich. She inherits a fortune in 
Mexico from the old woman whose husband left it to her. 
The priest is after it, the Captain is after it, and the Captain 
will get it. 

Ber. Carramba! He shall not. He shall not marry her. 

Isa. Can you prevent this marriage? 

Ber. I will do it, somehow. 

Isa. She is in love with you, isn't she? 

Ber. Yes; why? 

Isa. I understand it ; I know she's going to marry the 
Captain on your account. Now you go to her; tell her you 



36 CARMELITA ; 

don't want her to marry him ; tell her she will be a disgrace to 
him after her life with you; that his people would find it out 
and refuse to receive her. You understand ? Then get her to 
come with you, take the steamer to-morrow, and you can be 
rich and happy in Mexico. 

Ber. You're right; I'll do it. But wait; the Captain won't 
stand it. 

Isa. I'll fix the Captain. He will be glad to get rid of her ; 
you can rest assured of that. Now you write her a note, and 
send it to her as soon as she arrives, telling her you want to 
see her. Will you do it 1 ? 

Ber. I will; I'll do it now. 

Isa. She won't betray you 1 ? I can rely on that? 

Ber. You can; she'll never betray me. [Exit Isabella L. 
3 E.) 

Ber. (Writes note, folds and addresses if.) So, that's the 
game. Playing me, are they 1 ? Good Cod! suppose the pardon 
is bogus. (Hastily takes pardon from pocket and inspects it.) 
The paper is not new; this is an old one; I have been tricked; 
they will jail me. My God! they may be on my track now. 
But, no ; the signature is here, the seal is here, my name is 
here. It's mighty strange. I must know! I must know! 
(Thinks) I can't go to the police; I must go to a lawyer. But 
who? Ah! the Irishman; he's the man. He'll know, and he 
dassent give me away. Lita first, and then the lawyer. (Exit 
Berto L. 3 E.) 

[Enter Mauiquita, Captain and Lita, R. 2 E.] 

Mar. You are to have the main parlor, Captain. The 
ladies' rooms are there; yours is here. 

Capt. Thanks. (Exit Mariquita R. 2 E.) My love! 
(Kisses Lita.) 

Lita. Why, Captain ! I have not even washed my hands. 

Capt. So your ablutions are more important than my hap- 
piness, you little Mohammedan.. 

Lita. What's a Mohammedan? 

Capt. (Seriously) A Mohammedan 1 ? Well, I'll tell you 
some time; but you must be sure and not tell anybody (laugh- 
ing). You little darling! 

Lita. I thought you had to see Mr. Straine, immediately, 
without a moment's delay. (Dram, burlesque.) 

Capt. So I have; and it's very important. We must be 
married without any delay. 

Lita. Without a trousseau? 

Capt. (Laughing.) Without a single pillow-sham or a lav- 
ender wrapper. It's rough on us poor things, isn't it? 



OR, FORCE AND FINESSE. 37 

Lita. Dearie, I wish you would go and see him. I'm afraid 
those men will give us more trouble. 

Capt. I will. Good-bye, you darling! I'll be back in five 
minutes with the parson. {Snatches kiss and starts.) 

[Enter Mariqita L. 3 E.] 

Mar. A' letter for the lady, sir. 

Lita. A letter for me? 

Mar. Yes, Senorita. {Hands it to her; she starts slightly.) 

Capt. What is it, love ? 

Lita. Nothing; a letter from Marie. 

Capt. What does she want 1 ? 

Lita. I don't know, yet. 

Capt. Well, I must be going. Mariquita, shew this lady 
to her room and attend to her ; carefully, mind you. {Slyly 
slips her a gold piece.) 

Mar. Never fear. {Throwing a kiss to Jmn.) {Aside.) Ah, 
I must marry a military man. (Captain has made a hasty 
exit L. 3 E. Lita looks at letter long and then breaks seal; 
reads and makes gesture of despair, falling into arm-chair. 
Is silent.) 

Mar. Will the Senorita come to her room? 

Lita. Who gave you this? 

Mar. A man outside. 

Lita. Did he say there was an answer? 

Mar. He said he would wait. 

Lita. Tell him — {aside) oh, this is so unfortunate. {Aloud.) 
Tell him I will see him at 1 o'clock. Tell him to come to the 
side entrance. 

Mar. Where will the Senorita see him? 

Lita. Here. 

Mar. Very well, Senorita. {Opening door R. 2 E.) This 
is your room. {Exit both through door.) 

[Enter Isabella L. 3 E. Looks about.] 

Isa. They are not here. He is in her room, I suppose; in 
there; in that room with her. {Tmpidsively rushes to door; 
stops; puts her hand on her heart.) I am a fool; a school-girl. 

[Enter Mariquita R. 3 E.] 

Mar. The Captain will be back directly, madam. (Starts 
for door, L. 3 E.) 

Isa. Stay. Did you, did you see them together? 

Mar. Who? 

Isa. The Captain and the lady. 

Mar. {Cunningly.) Yes, ma'am. They are awful happy. 



38 carmelita; 

He said he loved her more than any woman he had ever seen. 

Isa. He did, did he. (Rises impulsively, twisting hand- 
kerchief. ) 

Mar. Here is the Captain. (Ojyens door, L. 3. E. Enter 
Captain. Exit Mariquita.) 

Capt. Miss Valdez. 

Isa. Yes, Captain. You are glad to see me again, are you 
not? 

Capt. Most assuredly. But after our parting — (Sits.) 

Isa. (Laughing.) Yes, I know. I had a splitting head- 
ache that day, and would have quarreled with my own mother. 
But we were too good friends to be made enemies by such a 
trifle. 

Capt. We are still friends, I trust. (Aside.) What the 
devil is she'after? 

Isa. Certainly, and it is purely as a friend I come here. It 
is a little impulsive, I know, but I am a spoiled child. Cap- 
tain, do you still retain your chivalrous interest in that or- 
phan ? 

Capt. I must say I do. 

Isa. Well; that is why I came. I came to tell you she is 
not a proper person. 

Capt. (Springs to feet.) What! 

Isa. Why, Captain 1 ? 

Capt. Explain that phrase. 

Isa. Believe me, Captain, I did not know your interest 
went so far. 

Capt. You must explain your words. 

Isa. I shall not. You love this girl. You have her full 
confidence, of course. You cannot listen to anything against 
her. 

Capt. (Emotional struggle.) I must know what you would 
say. I yield no atom of my trust in her. Remember that. 
Now what have you to say against this lady? 

Isa. Against her, nothing. Against the woman who would 
foist herself upon a gentleman as his wife, much. 

Capt. Take care. Her insults are mine. 

Isa. I will take care. She received a letter this morning. 
Who was it from? 

Capt. From Marie. 

Isa. Who cannot write. Your sweetheart's correspondents 
are scarcely illiterate peasantry. Do you imagine you are the 
first man she ever loved? 

Capt. I know that no man or woman shall insult her name 
and go unpunished. 

Isa. Yes, you would stop me with force. Crush a bitter 



<>R, FORCE AND FINESSE. 39 

pill because you cannot swallow it. Tell me this. Who was 
the man living with her in the cave? {Business of Captain.) 
You do not know? You should know. Go and ask the 
woman who is to be your wife. You cannot get her confi- 
dence You cannot make her confess. 

Capt. Confess what? 

Isa. That that man was her lover, as I can prove. 

Capt. (Seizing Iter shoulders.) Unsay those words or 

Isa. (Handling him stiietto.) Take it and kill me if I do 
not speak the truth. 

Capi\ If. 

Isa. Yes if. I am no slanderer weaving a calumny. I am 
no dealer in gossip or lies. I am telling you fact; hard, piti- 
less fact. You love this girl. You are blind, as men ever 
were. She loves this convict, this assassin, and she Avill marry 
you to save him. Go and ask her. If she prove guiltless and 
I a liar, then compensate yourself as you will. 

Capt. Iwill ask her. Not to prove her purity, but to 
prove your shame. 

[Captain stands erect, looking at her. She bows low in sign 
of assent and walks to door L. 3 E. Exits.~\ 

Capt. It cannot be ; it cannot be. I should have killed 
her before listening. And yet this mystery ; this awful, horri- 
ble mystery. Lita, Lita, my love ! Why are you not here to 
confront her and shame her with the light of your pure soul? 
(Opening doors.) Lita, where are you? (Seizes hat and goes 
rapidly to door, where he meets Tim with huge bouquet and 
dandified, smile.) 

Tim. Mahnin to ye, Captain. 

[Captain rushes by him, dashing down bouquet without seeing 
it. Exit Captain.] 

Tim. Faix, that's the way he threats me lady's posies, is it- 
(Picking up bouquet and trying to smooth flowers.) The petu- 
nias is all smashed and the pantoxydermidons is knocked out 
of time. Begorra, I can't make her a presint o' that smash- 
up. 1 11 go an' rob another conservatory, and the Captain'll 
pay for it, bejabers! (Exit L. 3 E.) 

[Enter Lita and Berto R. 2 E.] 

Lita. How am I the cause of your trouble, Berto? How 
can I save you? (They sit, Berto arm-chair, Lita tete a tete.) 
Ber. Lita, do you know you are very rich? 
Lita. I, rich ? Why, the idea ! 
Ber. It's true. Old Josefa's husband had property ; you 



40 cakmelita; 

inherit it as her heir; it's in Mexico. Now, I want you to go 
there with me and get the property. I will have money enough 
to get a pardon. I shall be a free man, and we will both be 
happy. 

Lita. And leave him? 

Ber. Leave who 1 ? 

Lita. Captain Kingsbury, the man who saved me. 

Ber. And who saved you for what? To marry you for 
your property. 

Lita. You shall not speak of him so. 

Ber. All right; I see how it is. Well, good-bye, Lita. I 
am going to give myself up. There's no show for me. (^Jtises. ) 

Lita. No, Berto; forgive me. You shall noc do that; but 
be reasonable. 

Ber. Reasonable? How can II Put yourself in my place. 
It will be best for you — best for us both to go. 

Lita. And this was my happiest day ! This the day when 
hope and happiness and love were all within my grasp. Oh! 
Berto ! Berto ! You don't know what you ask. Say you don't. 
Do not ask me to do this for you. Berto, brother, please. 

Ber. And why should you not 1 ? Do you not see 1 ? You 
feel naturally that you owe much to the man who is striving 
tooth and nail for you because he knows the fortune behind 
you. What does Ke care for you 1 ? You will marry him sim- 
ply out of gratitude. 
.Lita. I will not. 

Ber. Then why ? 

Lita. I will marry him because I love him. Because he 
wishes me to. Because I owe him my life and he shall have 
it. You have gone too far. As long as you ask of me you 
shall have all in my power to grant. But when you go out of 
your way to insult the noblest of men, you strike him and me 
a cruel blow, and 1 will not stand it from you or any man. 

Ber. (Sneeritigly.) So you are going to marry him 1 

Lita. I am. 1 swear it. As soon as he shall say the word 
I will be his wife. 

Ber. You, marry him! You, the sister of an assassin! He 
a Kingsbury of Virginia. You, the friend and companion of 
a murderer. He, an honored officer, of high social position. 
Do you think that because you love him and he is a fool, that 
he is not going to ruin himself just the same? Do you sup- 
pose, after the honeymoon wears off and he is a little moiv 
clear-sighted, that he isn't going to regret 1 ? Do you suppose 
he can take you home to his family without those proud 
women asking who and what you are? Do you think he is 
going to be proud of his convict's sister bride, and not lie 



. OR, FORCE AND FINESSE. 41 

awake nights fearing the shame, the disgrace, of the exposure 1 ? 
You love him, do you'? Then why put a chain around his 
neck to drag him down 1 ? 

Lita. {Passing hand across brow* vacantly.) My God! I 
never — thought — of — that. 

Bee. And will you marry him 1 ? 

Lita. Oh, no. I must not marry him! It would be hor- 
rible — horrible — horrible. (She stares at vacancy.) 

Ber. What is the matter'? (She staggers. He catches her 
and places her in chair. Business of neck and glass of water. 
She recovers.) 

Ber. You see, Lita, he does not know I am your brother. 
He does not imagine anything low clings to you. And he 
needn't know. You can go away quietly. He will remember 
you as a dear friend, perhaps, who interested him. He never 
will know your disgrace. 

Lita. No. He must never know. He must never know 
my disgrace. 

Ber. Then come, quick ; I hear his footstep. (She tries to 
rise.) Quick. You don't want to see him. (She falls back in 
chair. He darts into room, R. 2 E.) 

[Miter Captain and Straine, L. 3 E. Lita's back is to the 
door. Captain is gloomy. ~\ 

Capt. (Coming over and kissing her on forehead. ) Ah, 
Lita, dear. I have been looking everywhere for you. What 
is the matter 1 ? Are you ill? ^Lita shakes hear head.) 

Capt. Wait a moment, clear, and then tell me all about it. 
I have some important business with Straine. You will ex- 
cuse me 1 (Lita nods her head. Capt. goes over to Straine. 
Both sit at table.) 

Capt. You say there's trouble ? 

Str. Yes, lots. Priest fellow ; legal guardian. Can't get 
around it. 

Capt. I can marry her. 

Str. Exactly — right off. Ring bells — no delay ! 

Capt. What can he do ? 

Str. Injunction — -legal guardian — claim her ! Get Sheriff 
to take her away. No time to loose. What are you waiting 
for? 

Capt. I want to have a talk with her. 

Str. Talk — bosh ! Talk her to death afterward. If you 
you don't, she'll talk you. Married man myself. 

Capt. (Thoughtfully.) You are right. You have the 
license ? 



42 caemelita; 

Str. Yes, all right. Tie you tight as glue — too tight. 
(Shaking his head.) Tried 'it myself. 

Capt. Well, go and get a minister, and have him ready at 
a moment's notice at your office. Will you do that for me 1 

Str. Keep him there if I have to tie him. Don't wail 
long. No cards — no cake — no wine — no nothing ! Goodbye. 
I'll get him. Good bye. {Exit Straixe, L. 3 E.) 

[Captain crosses over behind chair, and kisses %er tenderly on 
forehead. She shows no sign of feeling. He sits beside 
her and takes her hand.] 

Capt. Lita, before to-day's sun sets you will be my wife ; 
mine to honor, guard and protect forever. Whatever secrets 
stand between us now I am willing to leave as they are until 
your own true heart shall choose to reveal them. They have 
worried me, I admit. They are worrying you now ; that I see. 
I only wanted to tell you, that you need have no anxiety now 
or forever. I trust you wholly, implicitly, my love, my wife. 
{lie leans over to put his arm around her. She gently and 
sadly pats his hands away with hers.) 

Lita. Captain Kingsbury, I can never be your wife. 

Capt. What is this 1 

Lita. This is our last meeting. This hour we part for- 
ever. 

Capt. Because you love some other man '\ 

Lita. Because I love you as no woman ever did ; as no 
woman ever will. 

Capt. But, Lita, this is maddening. You say one thing in 
words,, another in acts. For God's sake, explain ; for God's 
sake, say something. 

Lita. I can tell you nothing. 

Capt. Lita, I implore you : for the sake of our love, for 
the sake of our two lives. Oh, Lita, darling! do not be so 
mad, so cruel. It shall make no difference to me; it shall not 
change my love. Only tell me. and say you will not leave me 
now. 

Lita. It is impossible. 

Capt. Who is this man '[ {Seizing bell.) Quick! Mariquita 
will know. 

Lita. Oh, do not ring. {Endeavoring to grasp bell, which 
he holds from her.) 

Capt. He sent you a letter this morning I 

Lita. Yes, he did. 

Capt. Did you see him % 

Lita. Oh, my God ! what shall I do 1 What shall I say 1 

Capt. Answer me. 



OK, FORCE AM) FINESSE. 48 

Lita. I did. I told him to come here. He talked to me 

and went away. 

Capt. He did not ; he was with yon when I came. 

Lita. No, no; he was not. 

Capt. He was. He is here. Thank God ! he is here. 
{Starts for door R. 2 E.) 

Lita. Captain, pity me. For God's sake ! do not go there. 
(Seizing his knees.) 

Capt. Let go. 

Lita. You must not! My God, you must not! 

Capt. Let go, I say. {Endeavors to loosen her grasp.) 

Lita. Captain ! Captain ! do not. I will tell you all. 

Capt. {Breaking loose.) Who is this man? You tell me, 
or he shall 

Lita. He is — my brother ! 

Capt. Nonsense. You have gone too far for that. 

Lita. My, God ! you don't doubt that? 

Capt. And who is your brother, that he should ati'ect you 
thus? 

Lita. My brother is a convict; a murderer; a hunted dog. 
You have my secret now. I have degraded myself in your 
eyes, and I wanted to go away so that yot you never would 
know it. I wanted to close my eyes and die with the thought 
that you still loved me ; that you still respected me. (Hides 
face and sobs. Captain sits at fable in thought.) 

Capt. Poor little heart; faithful little heart. I see it all, 
now. {Goes to her.) Lita, I want to ask you something. {She 
.still sobs. He fakes her face, twists it around toward him.) 
Lita, did you think I wanted to marry the whole family 1 

Lita. But — you marry his sister. 

Capt. I would marry you if twin devils stood on either 
side and claimed you as their child. Now, go, love, quickly, 
and prepare for the bridal. Come, there is no time to lose. 
And, Lita, ask my brother-in-law to step in here. 

[Exit Lita R. 2 E. Enter Berto R. 2 E. Captain has seated 
hintself at table, .] 

Capt. You are Alberto Molino, the escaped convict 1 

Ber. You've called the turn. 

Capt. You want to get safely out of the State, don't you 1 ? 

Ber. Perhaps I do, and perhaps I don't. 

Capt. Well, there's a steamer leaves for Mexico to-morrow 
afternoon. You take it, or in ten minutes afterward you'll be 
behind the bars. 

Ber. Well, I ain't scared of you or your soldiers. You 
can't scare me {tapping his pocket). 



44 



CARMKLITA 



Capt. If you prefer, I will lock you up now. 

Ber. You can't do it, mister. But you needn't try, all the 
same. Ta, ta, Captain. {Exit L. 3 E.) 

Capt. The scoundrel ! Where have I met him % He's no 
kin to her; J '11 swear that, whatever she believes. And he 
says I can't lock him up 1 He must have a pardon. I must 
look into this. His hold over her makes him important. I 
must keep track of him. {Rings bell and writes. Enter 
Mariquita L. 3 E.) Take this telegram to the office. It is 
to the Governor of the State, and must go immediately. And, 
stay — if Mr. Straine is below tell him to come without delay. 

Mar. Yes, Senor. {Exit L. 3 E.) 

[Enter Lita in bridal vail R. 2 E.] 
Capt. Now, love, all is ready. 

[Enter Straine and Minister L. 3 E. Orchestra begins wed- 
ding march, pianissimo.] 

Str. There you are, parson. Tie 'em up; tie 'em up. No 
time to lose. 

| Captain and Lita stand in front of Minister, holding ha mis. ] 

Capt. You better bolt the door, Straine. (Straine holts 
door L. 3 E.) 

Min. Do you, William Atherton Kingsbury, take this 
woman to be your wedded wife, to love, honor and protect in 
sickness and in health, for better or for worse, through all 
your life? 

Capt. 1 do. 

[During these two speeches there has been a running and 
trampling without.] 

Sheriff. Open the door! 

Capt. Go on, sir; lose no time. 

Min. Do you, Carmelita, take this man 

Sher. Open, or we break in the door. . 

Capt. Go on, for God's sake, quickly ! 

Min. To be your wedded husband 1 ? 

Lita. I do. 

Min. Then, in the name 

[The door is burst in. The Sheriff, Don, Priest, Mariquita 
and Tim enter. The Sheriff runs to Minister ana 
places his hand over his mouth.] 

Sher. Stop, in the name of the law. 
Capt. What means this imterference % 



OR, FORCE AND FINESSE. 45 

Sher. I am Sheriff of this county. Upon affidavit that 
the girl Carmelita was about to marry illegally, without the 
consent of her guardian, a writ has been issued directing me 
to take her into custody. 

Capt. Oh, you villains ! 

Don. Do your duty, Sheriff. 

Capt. What? You will not take her away? 

Don. You cannot refuse, Sheriff. (As he speaks he steps 
forward.) 

Capt. Stand back, scoundrel ! Stand back, or you drop in 
your tracks. 

Sher. Keep cool, gentlemen; no weapons, please. I am 
very sorry, Captain; vei*y sorry. But I must take this young 
lady from you. 

Capt. Sheriff, see here : You and I have been pretty good 
friends. Do me this favor: Give me custody of her for twenty- 
four hours. 

Sher. I'd like to oblige you, Captain; but I don't see how. 

Capt. Swear me as your deputy for that time. 

Sher. Will you have her here without marrying her 1 ? On 
honor 1 

Capt. On my honor as a man. 

Don. You shall not. It is unlawful. It is an outrage. 

Sher. You dry up. I'm Sheriff of this county, and I 
know my business. Captain, take her. For twenty-four hours 
she is yours. 



[Curtain.] 



ACT V. 

SCENE— Law office o/Straine. Doors L. 3 E., R. D. F. and L. D. F. 

Windows R. 2 E. and R. 4 E. Z>e.s£ between doors at back. Table 
between windows. Book case, papers, writing materials, etc., on 
desk. Curtain discovers Tim reading law book, with his feet at 
painful angle on top of desk. 

Tim. (Reading.) Cedant anna togae, concedat laurea lin- 
guae. Cede Dominum. Wirra wirra ! My jaw's broke ! I'll 
nivir be a lawyer. Dominum. Dominum. Now what the 
divil's Dominum? It's damnin 'em I am. Why can't the 
Judges talk Irish. Faix every statesman and policeman 'ud 
know law thin; that is, av they could read. (Knock at door.) 
Come in. 

[Enter Alberto, L. 3 E.J 

Ber. Are you a lawyer 1 ? 

Tim. An' do I look like a horse jockey? Howly mother! 
It's you, is it? 

Ber. Sh-h — I don't want any talk. I'll pay you well. 

Tim. Divil a word. I'll bate the Spinx. 

Ber. I. have a pardon here. It belongs to a friend of mine. 
I want to know if it's good; that's all. (Shows. paper.) 

Tim. Hand it here. 

Ber. Not much. It don't go out of my hands. (Tim looks 
over his shoulder and reads.) 

Tim. So that's a pardon. 

Ber. Of course. Isn't it? 

Tim. Av coorse. That's what I said. (Aside.) An' I 
don't know a pardon from a bill poster. 

Ber. But is it a good one ? That's what I want to know. 
How long will it take you to find out? 

Tim. (Aside.) The ould man '11 be here in a jiffy. (Aloud.) 
Just give me the name thei'e, an' I'll go an' sarch the records. 

Ber. Molino — Alberto Molino. (Tim writes if.) 

Tim. Call in a quarter 'av an hour an'' I'll tell you. 

Ber. All right. Keep mum and you shally have this. 
(Holding up twenty dollar piece.) 

Tim. Nivir fear. (Exit Berto, L. 3 E.) Twinty dollars. 
Twinty an' sixty is ninety; that is, if I tache arithmetic to 
Mrs. Reardon, an' she takes a romantic view av it. 



FORCE AND FINESSE. 47 

[Enter Captain and Straine R. D. F. Captain sits at table. 
Straine in chair.] 

Str. Seen Lita this morning 1 ? 

Capt. Yes. She has not closed her eyes, and is pale as a 
ghost. If this lasts much longer she'll go to pieces. 

Str. Poor child. Hard case, very. 

Capt. Can nothing be done at law 1 ? 

Str. Nothing. We can tight 'em — injunctions; writs; all 
that sort of thing. But they've got us — legal guardian, cus- 
tody of child. 

Capt. You mean we must give her up to them 1 ? (Straine 
nods.) Couldn't she be kept in charge by the Sheriff? 

Str. No; prior right; they have guardianship. Keep her 
till we prove title. 

Capt. Which we cannot do in law. Curse law. Curse its 
machinery and the scoundrels who profit by it. 

Str. Tut tut; law good thing, very. Wait till you want 
divorce. 

Capt. Then there is no hope*? 

Str. Don't see any. Do anything in the world, but use- 
less. They've got us. 

Capt. And the moment they lay hands on her she will kill 
herself. I know that. Oh, Straine, this is awful ! Awful ! 
{Covers face with hands. Straine turns face away.) 

[Enter messenger boy, L. 3 E., with telegram. Goes up to 
Tim, who glances at envelope^ 

Tim. It's for that gintleman. (Pointing to Captain. Boy 
goes to Captain and touches arm. Captain signs book and 
boy departs, exit L. 3 E. Captain opens and reads telegram, 
drops it on table idly and again covers face. Business of 
Captain: As if suddenly struck by idea, he picks up telegram 
again and reads it.) 

Capt. Straine, read that despatch. (Hands it.) 

Str. (Reads.) " No pardon granted Alberto Molino. This 
department will pay five hundred dollars reward for him, dead 
or alive. William Irwin, Governor." Well. 

Capt. (Has risen to feet, thinking intently..) My God! 
this may help us. 

Str. How 1 ? 

Capt. Do you know Alberto Molino 1 ? 

Str. No. 

Capt. He is the brother of Lita. He has been mixed up 
in this case all through. I tried to place him yesterday, when 
I telegraphed the Governor. Do you know where I saw him ? 

Str. Where? 



48 CARMELITA ; 

Capt. At the Hacienda. The Don had a night interview 
with him and gave him a paper. Straine, I believe Don Ra- 
mon has given Alberto Molino a forged pardon. 

Str. (Springing to feet.) What! 

Tim. And I know he have. 

Capt. and Str. You ! 

Tim. Yis, me. Didn't I see it? Didn't he bring it here 
himself 1 ? 

Capt. and Str. When 1 ? How 1 ? 

Tim. This time not tin minutes. I'm an old friend o' his. 
I know'd him in the cave. 

Capt. But how did Ke happen to come? 

Tim. He's afraid of the pardon himself. 

Capt. And is it a pardon? 

Tim. Faix, I don't know. It has the Governor's signature 
an' a seal like a soup plate. He'll be back here. It's a'most 
time for him now. 

Capt. Straine, we must have that pardon. Tim, go to the 
barracks and place two men outside the door as soon as he 
enters. Tell them to' let no one pass either way. 

Tim. Aye, aye, sir. (Exit Tim, L. 3 E.) 

Str. What's your plan? 

Capt. Finesse first; force if necessary. You see, we not 
only need the pardon, but we need him too. (Knock at door.) 
There he is. Follow my cue. Above all don't let him think 
we are interested. (They seat themselves hurriedly, Captain's 
back to door. Knock repeated.) 

Str. Come in. (Enter Alberto, L. 3 E.) Ah, Mr. 

Ber. Gonzales is my name. (He is very slow, very suspi- 
cions. Casts furtive glances around room.) 

Str. Sit down, sir. What can I do for you? 

Ber. I want to see him. (Pointing to Tim's stool.) 

Str. Oh, my clerk. He's stepped out for a minute. Take 
a chair. 

Ber. Taking a step back and grasping knob of door.) , I 
think — I will — call again. 

Capt. (Lazily.) Hallo! 

Ber. How are you ! 

Capt. I'm glad I saw you. I was a little hasty yesterday. 
You won't mind that? (Berto says nothing. Looks at both 
men coolly yet doubtfidly.) I say, Straine, isn't this the 
party your clerk left a message for? 

Str. I don't know. Did you call about some document? 

Ber. Yes. What did he say? 

Str. Let me see. Hang this brief. What did he say, 
Captain ? 



OR, FORCE AND FINESSE. 4 ( J 

Capt. I wasn't paying attention. I think he said there 
was great doubt about it. 

Str. What is the document — a deed? 

Ber. (Thinks it over. Walks over to Captain.) Say, Cap- 
tain. 

Capt. What is it] 

Ber. You got anv grudge agin me] 

Capt. None in the world. 

Ber. If a —you marry Lita you'd like to see me out o' the 
country, wouldn't yer? 

Capt. Well, frankly, I should prefer it. 

Ber. A_nd neither of you will give me away in case I'm 
wrong] 

Capt. I will not. 

Str. I won't — secret — lawyer's business. 

Ber. (Slowly drawing paper from pocket.) Well, it's this 
way. I've got a pardon here. I want to know if it's all 
straight ] 

;3tii. Let's see it (impulsively). 

Ber. You can look at it. I'll hold it. 

[Strains goes to left side of Berto and looks over shoulder; 
Captain goes to right side. Be'.ito unfolds if, and they 
read, silently.] 

Capt. How is that? The 25th of August] 

Ber. Yes. 

Capt. (Indifferently.) That's a good pardon. You're all 
right. 

Ber. (To Straine.) Do you say it's good ] 

Str. Straight as a string. Signed ; sealed ; Governor ; 
Secretary of State ; Eureka and the Bear ; perfectly good ; no 
question. 

Ber. Carramba! I'm glad! (Draws long breath.) I've been 
scared to death for half a day. 

Str. Ha! ha! Should think so. Heap o' difference. And 
you came to see Tim about it] Ha! ha! ha! 

Ber. (Joins laugh.) Ain't he a lawyer, though ] I thought 
from his talk he was the whole firm. 

Capt. That's Tim all over. (All laugh.) Well, you're safe. 
Are you going away] 

Ber. Yes; and I've got no time to lose (start ing for door). 
Come and have a drink with me. Ha! ha! ha! 

Capt. There's one thing, old boy: The signatures might be 
forged; but they couldn't forge the seal. You better compare 
it with a State seal, Straine. 

Str. Certainly. (Picks paper from desk with seal on if. 



50 carmelita; 

Goes to Berto and fakes pardon from his hand. Goes to 
window R. 4 E. and holds both up to light, Berto watching 
him.) 

Capt. When do you go 1 

Ber. (Turns to answer; Straine shifts papers.) This 
afternoon. {Turns again to Straine.) 

Str. They're identical. No trouble. (Stopping him on 
back.) You're fixed now, old hoy. (Hands him, folded paper.) 

Ber. Good day, Senors. (Starts for door L. 3 E., pocket- 
ing paper. Straine passes pardon to Captain. Berto opens 
door and is confronted by two soldiers. Springs back.) 

Ber. This is a trick. 

Capt. Keep quiet, now. 

Ber. (Pulls out and unfolds paper; draws knife and 
springs at Captain; Captain covers him with revolver.) Give 
me my pardon! 

Capt. Your pardon is bogus. I need it in my business. 
Men, take this man into that room. Shoot him, if he stirs. 
[Exit Berto between soldiers R. D. F.] 

Capt. Straine, we have them. He has altered a regular 
pardon. See: erasures in every line. What is the penalty for 
mutilating a public document 1 ? 

Str. Five to fourteen years in State's Prison. Hi, yah ! 
God Almighty! Hurrah! (Capers abotit.) 

\ Enter Tim L. 3 E.] 

Tim. Luk at him, disgracin' the dignity o' the firm. (Tim 
starts break-doion imitating.) 

Str. Go to the devil ! 

Capt. Where is Lita 1 ? She must know this instantly. 

Tim. She's on her way. She'll be here directly. (Goes to 
door L. 3 E. and ojiens.) 

[Enter Lita.] 

Capt. My love! My darling! We are saved. Saved from 
those scoundrels. 

Lita. Oh! Captain! 

Capt. It's true. Not a shadow of doubt. 

Lita. But, tell me. 

Capt. Not yet, darling. They will be here in a moment. 
In a little while you will know all. Stay here for a few min- 
utes; only a few. (Opens door; exit Lita L. D. F.) 

Tim. (At door.) Here they come; the Cheriff and the hull 
crowd, wid the Don leadin'. The blaggard! If I could hit 
his yaller nose wans't ; jist aisy. 



OR, FOBCE AND FINESSE. 51 

\Enter Manuelo, Don, Sheriff, and Isabella. Straine and 
Captain rise and bow. Awkward si.hnce.l 

Sher. I've come for the young lady, Captain. 

Capt. [Sadly.) She is here. [Manuelo and Don exchange 
pleased glances. Isabella is seated apart, taking sullen sat- 
is/action in the proceedings.} 

Str. I am acting in this matter for Captain Kingsbury, 
gentlemen. 1 would request that during our preliminary con- 
versation the Sherift' kindly step into another room. 

Sher. Certainly, gentlemen. 

Don. {Arrogantly.) I see no necessity for that. There is 
nothing on our side I am not willing the Sheriff should know. 

Capt. (Dryly.) Don't be too sure of that. 

Str. In fact — we — don't care a rap — not a rap. But, bet- 
ter let him go. 

Man. (A little alarmed.) I see no harm in this. 

Don. Oh, very well. It makes no difference to me. Just 
step outside, Sheriff. You won't have to wait long. (Exit 
Sheriff, L. 3 E.) 

Str. Now, gentlemen, state your proposition. 

Don. There is no use wasting words. My friend, here, 
Father Pedro, demands, as the legal guardian of the young 
lady, that she be turned over to him. You can give her up 
or we will take her — take her, do you understand! (To Cap- 
tain. 

Capt. I understand. 

Don. Well, then. We demand the girl. Where is she? 

Capt. (Going to door.) Lita! (Enter Lita, L. D. F. Cap- 
tain takes her hand and leads her down near Manuelo, who 
rises and stretches out hand. Lita recoils toward Captain.) 

Capt. If you will pardon me a moment, gentlemen, there 
are a few words I would like to say before parting with this 
young lady. Under the circumstances 1 think you ought to 
grant it. Are you willing 1 ? (Manuelo bows. Don shifts chair 
nervously and assumes an air of contemptuous resignation. 
Straine chuckles aside and rubs his hands unseen by others. 
Tim, who evinces wild but quiet hilarity, sees old man and 
ptits on a dignified scowl.) 

Capt. In what I am going to say, gentlemen, it will be 
necessary to revert a week or so to certain scenes which have 
transpired not far from here. There are several characters in 
the story, and I think it will prove rather interesting. 

Don. (Impatiently.) Go on, sir. 

Capt. Very well. I see you are attentive. I wanted your 
attention particularly, Don Ramon. The story begins with a 



H9, 



carmelita; 



young lady who had a legal guardian, and the legal guardian 
had a friend. We -will call the friend Don Carlos. The young 
lady ran away; she concealed herself in a cave — a pretty cave. ' 
Possibly some of you may have seen a cave just like it, some 
time in your lives. Do you think you ever have, Don Ramon? 

[Don does not look at him or show siynJ\ 

Capt. There was a man also in the cave, to whom the 
young lady was bound by what, to her, were the strongest 
obligations of honor and fealty. The man looked at things 
differently. He had an object to gain. He bai-gained with 
Don Carlos to betray her for a bribe. It was a peculiar bribe; 
a very peculiar one. In fact, the bribe is the entire hero of 
this little story I am telling you. 

[Don and Manuelo exchange glances, and become deeply 
interested.] 

Capt. The scene changes to a hacienda. It is dark. Don 
Carlos and his friend and the betrayer are there. They talk it 
over, and Don Carlos gives the betrayer his bribe. It was a 
little rash of Don Carlos, but he gave him the bribe; gave it 
with his own hands. We are now coming to the bribe, gentle- 
men. Keep your seats. I am glad you are interested. 

[Don and Manuelo are leaning nearly out of their chairs. 
They settle back hastily, and assume indifference.] 

Capt. This bribe was a paper, and curiously enough it was 
a pardon from the Governor of the State. Now, it happened, 
strangely enough, that the Governor had not pardoned the be- 
trayer. The pardon was a beautiful pardon, but it was of 
Don Ramon's own construction. In fact, gentlemen, the par- 
don was 

Don. (Eises.) Enough, of your idle story. I will hear no 
more. It is a lie, from beginning to end. 

Capt. As the pardon proves. (Exhibiting pardon.) 

Don and Man. The pardon ! 

Don. It is a lie, a cooked up story. 

Capt. Yes; and a story that you will remember for five 
years in State's Prison, sir. 

Isa. My father — in prison ! 

Don. It is nonsense. Grant your foolish story true. You 
have not a single witness. 

Capt. (Making quiet sign to Straine.) I am one. 

Don. An interested party. 

Capt. Jose is another. 

Don. Jose saw nothing. 



()K, FORCE AM) FINESSE. 



53 



Capt. And the third 



Don. Well, the third? 

Capt. The third is here. {Enter Behto, R. D. F., between 
soldiers. At sight of Berto, Don claps hand to head with 
"Amor de Dios!" and falls into chair. Isabella screams. 
Manuelo is stunned.) Is the story interesting, gentlemen? 

Str. Better let me call in the Sheriff. 

Tim. Begorra! I'll call him annyhow. 

Don and Man. No, no. Do not call him. 

Ber. Ha-ha-ha ! Hello ! Don Ramon. How are you, Isa- 
bel! Shake, old man. (To Don. Don recoils.) Oh, don't 
put on any frills. I'm onto the whole business. King of the 
combination. Whoopa, toro! We'll room together in prison, 
pardner, and I say, when there's any pie from home you'll 
divvy 1 

Capt. Cease. Let us make our terms. You can make 
your own. 

Man. Captain, can I speak to you a moment? It is im- 
portant. (Captain fakes him down sfa</e.) You see, I've 
only been doing my duty in all this. Now, if you won't pros- 
ecute me I'll tell you something you ought to know. 

Capt. Tell me first. 

Man. That fellow isn't Lita's brother at all. She only 
thinks so. You see, I've been looking up their history. I 
was interested in the property and traced them back. They 
were born of different parents, and were babies when his 
father married her mother. 

' Capt. Is that so, Molino? (Berto comes over.) This man 
says you are not Lita's brother. Is that true? 

Ber. Yes, it's true. I '11 do the square thing by you. We 
were babies when my father married her mother. But there's 
no need of your telling Lita that. She never knew the dif- 
ference. 

Capt. (Returning to table.) I'll use my own judgment 
about that. Have you the paper, Straine? (Straine places 
paper on table. To Priest.) This is a resignation of your 
appointment as guardian of the young lady and a relinquish- 
ment of all your rights as such guardian. Sign it. (Priest 
signs.) That will do for you for the present. As for you, 
Don Ramon, I turn you over to your partner, there. As for 
your daughter, she goes to the Convent at San Jose, forever. 
Isa. My God ! The convent ! 

Don. Spare me this. (Kneels to him.) Captain, remember 
she is my only child. (Lita twitches Captain's sleeve. He 
smiles bat does ant far)/.. She fa-itches hartley. He turns.) 
Capt. What is it, dear? (She whispers.) For you 1 Very 



54 CARMKLITA ; 

well. Don Ramon, you may inform your daughter that she 
owes her freedom to the lady she tried so venomously to in- 
jure. It will have an added sweetness, I think. (Captain 
turns away, taking Lita to sofa.) 

Ber. (fo Don.) Say, parcl 1 

Don. What do you want, rascal 1 

Ber. Easy, now. Don't get hot in the collar. You see 
the Captain, there 1 ? 

Don. Well ] 

Ber. Well, he's a friend of mine. He'll keep that paper, 
in case I need it. 

Don. Go on. 

Ber. You see, I need a change o' climate. I've been 
workin' my brain too hard, breakin' rocks at San Quentin. I 
need a little trip, with some wine and tra ! la ! la ! lee ! you 
know. 

Don. How much do you want 1 

Ber. Ten thousand dollars. 

Don. Ten thousand devils ! 

Ber. Easy, pard. That's only two thousand a year. Five 
years, you know. 

Don. Come to my office to-morrow morning. 

Ber, I'm sorry, pard; I've got to breakfast with some 
friends from the East. Suppose you gimme a draft on your 
agent in Guaymas; and don't stop the payment, Don, or I'll 
come back and stop you. 

[Don writes draft hi book, tears out and gives if to Berto.J 

Ber. Bank o' Mexico ; ten thousand ; R. Valdez. Good 
as wheat. Ta, ta, pard; see you later. 

Sher. {Enters L. 3 E.) Am I needed, gentlemen 1 ? 

Tim. Faix, I think the gintlemen will shtruggle along 
widout you; for a time, annyhow. 

[Captain and Lita come down stage.] 

Capt. Shall we finish the ceremony, love 1 Will you still 
be my wife 1 ? 

Lita. Yes, yours forever. 

[Weddinij march, orchestra, forte.] 



Curtain. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

016 102 919 1 # 



